Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

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What process in surface water treatment causes fine particles in water to join together?

Flocculation
Coagulation
Filtration
Disinfection

The correct answer is: Coagulation

Coagulation is the process in surface water treatment that specifically refers to the chemical treatment aimed at destabilizing and aggregating fine particles and colloids present in the water. During coagulation, chemicals known as coagulants, such as aluminum sulfate, are added to the water. These coagulants neutralize the negative charges on particles, allowing them to clump together and form larger aggregates. This process is crucial for the subsequent removal of suspended solids and turbidity from the water. Once coagulation has occurred, the larger aggregates can then be efficiently removed through subsequent processes like flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. While flocculation, another important process in treatment, does involve the gentle mixing of water to help these aggregates grow larger through collisions, the initial joining of fine particles begins with coagulation. The distinction is important, as coagulation targets the destabilization and initial bonding of particles to pave the way for more advanced treatment stages.