Which process involves the settling of solids from wastewater?

Sedimentation is the process that specifically involves the settling of solids from wastewater. During sedimentation, heavier particles within the wastewater settle at the bottom of a treatment tank due to gravity, forming a layer of sludge. This process is crucial in wastewater treatment as it allows for the separation of solids from the liquid, making it easier to manage and treat the remaining water. The settled solids can then be removed for further processing or disposal.

In this context, filtration, coagulation, and flocculation serve different roles in the treatment process. Filtration is primarily used to separate solids from liquids by passing water through a filter medium, while coagulation involves the addition of chemicals to destabilize particles, which aids in the formation of larger aggregates. Flocculation follows coagulation and involves gentle mixing to encourage these aggregates, or flocs, to form and subsequently settle. While all these processes may contribute to the clarifying and cleaning of water, sedimentation specifically targets the gravitational settling of solids.