What is the purpose of adding flocculants in water treatment?

The purpose of adding flocculants in water treatment is to aid in sedimentation. Flocculants are substances that promote the clumping of suspended particles into larger aggregates known as flocs. This process enhances the efficiency of sedimentation, where these larger flocs can settle to the bottom more effectively than individual particles. As the flocs form and settle, they help remove impurities from the water, resulting in clearer and cleaner water.

In water treatment processes, sedimentation is a critical step, particularly in removing turbidity caused by suspended particles. By facilitating this step, flocculants contribute to the overall effectiveness of water treatment methods, ensuring that contaminants are efficiently separated from the treated water.