Turbidity and pH affect which process in water treatment?

The correct choice is coagulation because both turbidity and pH significantly influence the coagulation process in water treatment. Coagulation involves the addition of chemicals (coagulants) to water, which aids in the aggregation of suspended particles, allowing them to form larger clusters called flocs.

Turbidity, which refers to the cloudiness of water caused by suspended solids, can impact the effectiveness of coagulants. High turbidity levels may require adjustments in coagulant dosage to ensure adequate particle aggregation.

Additionally, pH plays a crucial role in coagulation as it affects the charge on the particles and the coagulants used. Each coagulant has an optimal pH range in which it functions best. If the pH is too high or too low, the coagulant may not effectively neutralize the charges on the particles, leading to ineffective coagulation and poor water quality.

Filtration is an important subsequent step that removes the flocs generated during coagulation, while disinfection targets pathogens in the water; however, these processes are less directly affected by turbidity and pH compared to coagulation. Thus, understanding the effects of turbidity and pH is crucial for optimizing the coagulation process to improve overall water