Which process can significantly increase the efficiency of filtration by allowing smaller particles to be removed?

The process that significantly increases the efficiency of filtration by allowing smaller particles to be removed is coagulation/flocculation. This method involves the addition of chemicals, known as coagulants, which cause small particles in water to clump together into larger aggregates called flocs. As these flocs grow larger, they become easier to remove during the filtration process.

The primary function of coagulation and flocculation is to reduce the number of fine particulates and colloids in the water, which can be more challenging to filter out effectively. By transforming these tiny particles into larger clusters, the overall clarity and quality of the filtered water are greatly improved. This process is commonly used in water treatment facilities to prepare water for subsequent filtration steps.

Mechanisms such as mechanical filtration, while effective for removing larger particles, do not target smaller particles in the same way, thus limiting their efficiency in certain applications. Adsorption works by binding contaminants to the surface of a material but does not involve the removal of particles through aggregation. Oxidation can remove certain contaminants but is not primarily focused on the removal of solid particles from the water stream, making coagulation/flocculation the most effective choice for enhancing filtration efficiency.