What kind of particles are primarily removed during water filtration?

Water filtration primarily targets suspended or colloidal solids, which are particles that are not dissolved in water but instead are found dispersed throughout it. These particles can include dirt, sand, silt, algae, and other organic or inorganic materials that can cloud the water and affect its quality.

The filtration process physically removes these solids through various methods, such as using sand filters, membrane filters, or activated carbon, depending on the specific treatment system in use. By effectively reducing the concentration of these suspended particles, filtration helps to improve water clarity and quality, making it safer for consumption and use.

While dissolved gases, nutrients, and microorganisms are important constituents in water quality assessments, they are typically addressed through other treatment methods. Dissolved gases need processes like aeration for removal, nutrients may require biological treatment, and microorganisms are often targeted through disinfection methods such as chlorination or UV light, rather than standard filtration processes.