Water is one of the most essential resources for sustaining life. It is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and agriculture. However, not all water sources are safe for consumption, especially surface water, which is prone to contamination from various pollutants. Exterior water treatment is the process of purifying water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs to make it safe for human consumption.
Different methods of Surface water treatment.
1. Coagulation and Flocculation
The first step in surface water treatment is coagulation and flocculation. Coagulation involves adding chemicals such as alum or ferric chloride to the water to neutralize the electrical charges of particles and allow them to clump together.
2. Sedimentation
After coagulation and flocculation, the water is allowed to settle in a sedimentation basin. During this process, gravity causes the flocs to settle at the bottom of the basin, forming a layer of sludge. The clarified water is then decanted or drawn off from the top of the basin.
3. Filtration
After sedimentation, the water goes through the filtration process. Filtration involves passing the water through a bed of filter media such as sand, gravel, or activated carbon. The filter media traps and removes remaining suspended solids, flocs, and microorganisms.
4. Disinfection
Disinfection is the final step in surface water treatment. It involves the addition of disinfectants to kill or inactivate any remaining pathogens in the water.
Surface water treatment is a multistep process that involves coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Each step plays a crucial role in removing different types of contaminants and pathogens from the water.