Which process primarily reduces turbidity in water?

The process that primarily reduces turbidity in water is filtration. Filtration operates by physically removing suspended particles from the water, which include silt, clay, and organic materials that contribute to turbidity. This process can utilize various types of filter media, such as sand, gravel, or membranes, which physically trap these particles as the water passes through.

While coagulation and sedimentation are also involved in the treatment of water and can contribute to turbidity reduction, they are part of a different sequence of processes. Coagulation involves adding chemicals to water that cause small particles to clump together, making them easier to remove, but it’s not the final step in cleaning the water. Sedimentation, which follows coagulation, allows heavier particles to settle out of the water column due to gravity. Both of these processes can reduce turbidity, but they are typically used prior to filtration. Disinfection, on the other hand, focuses on killing pathogens and does not specifically target turbidity reduction.

Therefore, filtration stands out as the primary process for effectively lowering turbidity in water by directly removing suspended solids.