Which process involves aggregating particles to effectively remove contaminants from a liquid?

The process of coagulation is specifically designed to aggregate small particles suspended in a liquid, which can help to remove contaminants. During coagulation, chemicals called coagulants are added to the water, which neutralize the charges on the particles. This neutralization allows the particles to come together, forming larger particles known as flocs. These flocs can then be removed from the liquid through subsequent processes such as sedimentation and filtration.

Coagulation is vital in water treatment, especially for removing suspended solids and colloidal materials that can be difficult to filter out. The efficiency of this process is significant because it enhances the overall clarity and quality of the water by ensuring that contaminants are effectively aggregated and settled or filtered out.

In contrast, filtration is a different process that involves physically separating particles from liquid using a barrier, such as a filter. Distillation involves separating compounds based on their boiling points and is not focused on aggregating particles. Evaporation is the process of turning liquid into vapor and does not involve removing contaminants from liquid by aggregation. Each of these processes has its own applications and methods for dealing with contaminants, but coagulation is particularly focused on the aggregation needed for effective removal.