In a water purification process, what is the immediate result of coagulation?

In the water purification process, coagulation is a critical step where chemicals, known as coagulants, are added to the water. The primary effect of this process is the aggregation of small, suspended particles into larger particles or flocs. This transformation leads to the settling of these flocculated materials as they become denser than the water, which allows for easier removal during the subsequent sedimentation phase.

While color removal might occur afterwards as a result of particles being removed, and oxygen levels may change due to the introduction of coagulants or other processes, these are not immediate effects of coagulation itself. Similarly, odor control may be achieved through various treatments, but it is not a direct result tied to the coagulation process. Therefore, the settling of insoluble compounds is the immediate and most direct consequence of coagulation, as it sets the stage for the subsequent purification steps.