What is a primary reason for performing coagulation in water treatment?

Coagulation in water treatment is primarily aimed at removing larger particles from water, making the filtration process more efficient. During coagulation, chemical coagulants are added to water, which help destabilize and aggregate suspended particles, such as silt, clay, and organic matter. This aggregation forms larger clusters, known as flocs, which can then be more easily removed through sedimentation and filtration. By effectively reducing the size and weight of the particles in the water, coagulation streamlines the subsequent processes and improves overall water quality.

While disinfection, reducing chemical usage, and enhancing taste are important aspects of water treatment, they are not the primary focus of coagulation. Disinfection involves killing or inactivating pathogens, which is a separate step in the treatment process. Similarly, coagulation may help in reducing the quantities of certain chemicals used downstream, but that is a secondary benefit rather than the core purpose. Improving taste, while a valuable outcome of effective water treatment, is not directly tied to the coagulation process itself.