Which of the following is a function of sedimentation in water treatment?

Sedimentation plays a crucial role in the water treatment process primarily by allowing suspended solids to settle out from the water. During this process, water is held in a basin where the flow velocity decreases, facilitating the settling of particles due to gravity. The solid particles, which may include sand, silt, and various organic matter, clump together and settle to the bottom, resulting in clearer water above.

This reduction in suspended solids is essential because it not only improves the clarity and quality of the water but also reduces the load on subsequent treatment processes, such as filtration and disinfection. By effectively removing these suspended materials, sedimentation helps enhance the overall efficiency of the water treatment system.

Other functions, such as pathogen removal, pH balancing, and improvement of color and odor, are achieved through different processes like disinfection, chemical treatment, or filtration, rather than through sedimentation alone.