What is the primary function of depth filters in water treatment?

The primary function of depth filters in water treatment is to entrap particles within the medium's body. Depth filters are designed to provide a three-dimensional structure that captures particulates throughout the thickness of the filter medium, rather than just at the surface. This allows for a more efficient removal of suspended solids, turbidity, and other particulate matter as water passes through the filter. The filtration process occurs at multiple levels within the filter material, making depth filters especially effective for a wide range of particle sizes.

While removing sediment from the surface may occur, it is not the primary purpose of depth filters; instead, they focus on the overall trapping of contaminants throughout their entire structure. Improving taste and odor typically involves other types of treatment processes, such as activated carbon filtration, rather than depth filters. Lastly, while flow rate may be impacted by the use of depth filters, their design does not aim to reduce flow; rather, they are engineered to balance flow rates while effectively removing particulates. Thus, the correct answer highlights the fundamental mechanism of depth filters in water treatment.