Which method is used to increase the clarity of water during the treatment process?

Coagulation and flocculation are essential processes in water treatment used to increase water clarity. During coagulation, chemical agents called coagulants are added to the water, which neutralizes the charges of suspended particles, causing them to clump together into larger aggregates known as flocs.

Following coagulation, the flocculation process gently mixes the water to encourage these small flocs to collide and form larger particles that can settle more effectively. This makes it easier to remove suspended solids, colloids, and impurities from the water, significantly enhancing its clarity.

In contrast, composting is a method primarily associated with organic waste management, while chlorination is a disinfection technique that targets pathogens rather than enhancing clarity. Thermal regulation refers to temperature control processes, which do not directly contribute to clearing up the water. Thus, coagulation and flocculation specifically target the clarity of water in the treatment process.