What common treatment process is used to remove suspended solids in wastewater?

Coagulation and flocculation is a widely utilized treatment process in wastewater management designed specifically to remove suspended solids. This process involves adding chemical coagulants to the wastewater, which cause small particles and colloids to clump together, forming larger aggregates known as flocs. These flocs are then easier to remove from the water through sedimentation or filtration.

The efficiency of coagulation and flocculation lies in its ability to neutralize the charges on suspended solids, allowing them to bond more effectively. This method is particularly effective for removing fine particles and organic materials that would otherwise remain suspended in the water.

While other methods, such as biological aeration and the activated sludge process, certainly help with the overall treatment of wastewater, their primary focus is not specifically on the removal of suspended solids. Membrane filtration can also remove suspended solids, but it is often more characterized by its ability to separate particles based on size through physical barriers rather than through a chemical reaction and aggregation process. Thus, coagulation and flocculation stands out as a common and effective method for removing suspended solids in wastewater treatment.