How does sedimentation differ from filtration in water treatment?

Sedimentation is a crucial process in water treatment that relies on gravity to allow suspended particles to settle out of the water over time. This natural settling occurs because the heavier particles are influenced by gravity, causing them to sink to the bottom of a basin or tank, effectively clarifying the water above it. This process helps reduce the load on subsequent treatment methods.

On the other hand, filtration involves the physical removal of particles from water by passing it through a medium that catches and holds these particles. Filters can be made from various materials, and they typically remove smaller particles that may not settle effectively via sedimentation. Filtration is often quicker in terms of immediate water processing and relies on the physical characteristics of the filter media rather than gravitational forces.

This distinction highlights that sedimentation and filtration serve complementary roles in water treatment, but each operates on fundamentally different principles.