Where are coagulants and other water treatment chemicals added?

Coagulants and other water treatment chemicals are typically added in mixers as part of the water treatment process. The purpose of using coagulants is to promote the aggregation of fine particles and impurities in the water, forming larger clumps or flocs that can then be removed more efficiently in subsequent treatment stages. Mixing is crucial because it ensures that these chemicals are uniformly distributed throughout the water, maximizing their effectiveness.

In mixers, the coagulants are blended with the water under controlled conditions, often involving mechanical mixing or hydraulic methods to achieve optimal particle interaction. This process is essential before moving on to the clarification stage, where the flocculated particles are separated from the water.

The other options, while relevant to the water treatment process, are not the primary phases for adding coagulants. For example, filtration generally occurs after coagulation and is specifically aimed at removing suspended solids, while aeration is used to enhance oxygen levels in water and may not involve the addition of chemicals. Clarifiers are designed for settling and removing flocs formed during coagulation but are not the appropriate stage for the initial addition of coagulants.