Water Treatment Process | AQA A-Level Environmental Science Revision | Primrose Kitten

Potable water

Safe to drink water free from harmful contaminants.

Screening

Process of using metal grills or nets to trap solid wastes and debris from water.

Flocculants

Chemicals added to water to neutralise charged particles so they clump together and settle during sedimentation.

Sedimentation

Process where suspended solids and organic matter sink to the bottom of a tank due to still water.

Aeration

Exposing water to oxygen sprays to increase dissolved oxygen content and make toxic heavy metals insoluble.

Filtration

Passing water through materials like gravel and sand to remove remaining suspended particles.

Activated Carbon Treatment

Using carbon particles with tiny pores to attract and adsorb remaining organic matter from water.

Sterilisation

Process of killing pathogens in water using agents like ozone, chlorine, or UV to ensure it is safe for consumption.

pH Adjustment

Modifying the pH of water to be as close to neutral as possible, often by adding alkalis like limestone for acidic water.

Fluoridation

Adding fluoride to water to promote dental health by preventing the formation of plaque around teeth.

Ion Exchange

Process used to remove calcium and magnesium from hard water to produce soft water.

Desalination

Process of removing salt from water using techniques like distillation or reverse osmosis.