What is the process of flocculation in water treatment?

Flocculation is a key process in water treatment where fine particles suspended in water are agglomerated into larger clusters, known as flocs. This process often follows coagulation, in which chemicals are added to destabilize the particles, allowing them to adhere to each other more easily. As the flocs grow larger, they can be more easily removed from the water through sedimentation or filtration.

The correct answer highlights this essential function of flocculation, which improves the efficiency of subsequent treatment steps by making it easier to remove impurities from the water. By forming larger aggregates, the flocs increase the chances of settling out of the water column or being captured in filtration processes.

In contrast, breaking down large molecules into smaller ones does not relate to flocculation; rather, it pertains to a different chemical or physical process. Filtering water through a membrane focuses on physical separation rather than aggregation. Boiling water primarily serves to eliminate pathogens and some impurities through heat rather than encouraging particle aggregation. Thus, the correct definition of flocculation emphasizes its role in enhancing water quality by facilitating the removal of suspended particles.