What is the main purpose of sedimentation in water treatment?

The main purpose of sedimentation in water treatment is to remove larger solids from water. During the sedimentation process, water is allowed to sit in a treatment basin or sedimentation tank, enabling heavier particles, such as sand, silt, clay, and other suspended solids, to settle to the bottom due to the force of gravity. This effectively reduces the concentration of these bigger particles in the water, leading to a clearer and cleaner water source that is subsequently easier to treat further.

By concentrating solids at the bottom, the sedimentation process helps to prevent those larger particles from interfering with subsequent treatment stages, such as filtration or disinfection. It is a crucial step in ensuring the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the water treatment process.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of sedimentation in water treatment. Adding minerals, increasing water temperature, or enhancing water color are not tasks that sedimentation is designed to address.