Which water treatment method aims to remove particulate matter and pathogens?

Filtration is the water treatment method specifically designed to remove particulate matter and pathogens from water. This process utilizes various physical barriers such as sand, gravel, or specialized membranes to trap solids and microorganisms, thus improving the clarity and safety of the water.

Filtration is particularly effective against larger particles and can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses depending on the type of filtration system used. For instance, microfiltration and ultrafiltration are good choices for targeting smaller pathogens, while conventional sand filters are commonly employed in municipal water treatment facilities to manage turbidity and pathogen levels.

In contrast, chlorination is a chemical disinfection method that primarily serves to kill bacteria and viruses but does not remove particulate matter. Desalination focuses on the removal of salts and minerals from seawater rather than pathogens or particulates. Ion exchange is a treatment process primarily used to soften water or remove specific contaminants like heavy metals and nutrients but does not directly target particulate matter or a broad spectrum of pathogens. Thus, the focus of filtration on effectively removing both solids and microorganisms makes it the appropriate choice for this question.