What is the purpose of chemical coagulation in water treatment?

Chemical coagulation plays a crucial role in water treatment by aggregating suspended particles, making them easier to remove from water. This process involves adding coagulants, such as aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride, to the water. These chemicals facilitate the clustering of small particles and colloids into larger aggregates or "flocs." The formation of these flocs increases the efficiency of subsequent treatment processes, such as sedimentation and filtration, by allowing the larger particles to settle out of the water more effectively.

This aggregation is essential because untreated water often contains a variety of impurities, including silt, bacteria, and organic matter, which can compromise water quality. By using chemical coagulation to enhance the removal of these impurities, the overall quality of the treated water is improved, making it safer and cleaner for consumption or usage.

While sterilizing water, reducing dissolved oxygen levels, or enhancing the taste may be goals of other treatment processes, they do not relate directly to the primary function of coagulation in the context of treating suspended solids.