Floc can effectively reduce turbidity through what process?

Floc effectively reduces turbidity primarily through the process of particle absorption. In water treatment, floc consists of small clumps of particles that form when coagulants are added to the water. These coagulants neutralize the charges on suspended particles, allowing them to bind together into larger aggregates. This aggregation increases the likelihood of suspended particles being captured when water flows through sedimentation tanks or filters.

As floc particles settle or are removed during filtration, they carry with them the suspended solids that contribute to turbidity. This means that the particles are absorbed into the floc structure rather than merely floating to the surface or being filtered optically. This process is crucial for effective water treatment, as it not only clarifies the water but also facilitates the removal of pathogens and other contaminants associated with turbidity.

In contrast, floating particles to the surface may occur as a result of air introduction or other methods, but it's not the primary mechanism through which floc acts. Optical filtration, while a method of removing turbidity, does not involve floc formation. Chemical coagulation is the first step that leads to floc formation, but floc itself specifically reduces turbidity through absorption and aggregation. Therefore, the function of floc in lowering turbidity is