What is the process called when chemicals are added to destabilize particles and cause clumping together?

What is the process called when chemicals are added to destabilize particles and cause clumping together?

• A. Sedimentation
• B. Coagulation process
• C. Flocculation
• D. Filtration

Answer: (B)

Coagulation is the process of adding chemicals to destabilize particles by neutralizing their surface charges. Many colloidal particles in water are negatively charged and repel each other, which keeps them from sticking together. A coagulant (such as alum or polyaluminum chlorides) neutralizes or bridges those charges, reducing repulsion and allowing particles to come into contact and start clumping. This initial step creates small aggregates and is followed in the treatment process by flocculation (gentle mixing to grow those aggregates into larger flocs) and then separation through sedimentation or filtration. Sedimentation merely lets the formed flocs settle out by gravity, while filtration physically removes particles from the water as it passes through a media.

Coagulation is the process of adding chemicals to destabilize particles by neutralizing their surface charges. Many colloidal particles in water are negatively charged and repel each other, which keeps them from sticking together. A coagulant (such as alum or polyaluminum chlorides) neutralizes or bridges those charges, reducing repulsion and allowing particles to come into contact and start clumping. This initial step creates small aggregates and is followed in the treatment process by flocculation (gentle mixing to grow those aggregates into larger flocs) and then separation through sedimentation or filtration. Sedimentation merely lets the formed flocs settle out by gravity, while filtration physically removes particles from the water as it passes through a media.