Which process involves the removal of large particles from water?

The process of sedimentation is crucial in the treatment of water as it effectively removes large particles, including sediments and suspended solids, from the water. During sedimentation, water is allowed to sit in a basin or tank, where the heavier particles settle to the bottom due to gravity. This leaves clearer water at the top, which can then be further treated if necessary. Sedimentation is often one of the first steps in a water treatment system, allowing for the efficient separation of particulates from the water before subsequent treatment processes.

Coagulation, while also important, primarily involves the addition of chemicals to bind smaller particles together into larger clumps (coagulates) that can then be removed by sedimentation or filtration, rather than directly removing large particles. Filtration, on the other hand, focuses on passing water through various mediums to trap and remove smaller particles that may have remained after sedimentation. Disinfection is a treatment process aimed at killing or inactivating pathogens in water and does not address particle removal. Therefore, sedimentation stands out as the key process aimed specifically at the removal of large particles from water.