What is the objective of coagulation in water treatment?

The objective of coagulation in water treatment is to cluster fine particles into larger ones for easier removal. This process involves the addition of coagulants, such as alum or ferric chloride, to the water. These chemicals help neutralize the charges on suspended particles and promote their aggregation. When the particles cluster together, they form larger aggregates known as floc, which can be more easily removed during subsequent processes, such as sedimentation or filtration.

This step is critical in the water treatment process because it effectively reduces turbidity and removes a variety of contaminants that can affect water quality. By increasing the size of these fine particles, coagulation enhances the efficiency of the treatment system and leads to cleaner, clearer water. The other options, while related to different aspects of water treatment, do not accurately describe the specific objective of coagulation.