Ontario Operator-in-Training (OIT) Practice Exam

Which process is essential for the removal of sediment from water?

1. Chlorination

2. Filtration

3. Flocculation

4. Desalination

The correct answer is: Filtration

Filtration is a critical process for the removal of sediment from water because it involves passing water through a porous material that captures and retains particulate matter, including sediment. This process not only helps clarify the water but also enhances its quality by removing contaminants that could affect its safety and usability. Sediment removal is essential in water treatment as it can improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatment processes, such as disinfection, by ensuring that there are fewer particulates that might shield microorganisms from disinfectants. Additionally, filtered water is generally more appealing and has better taste and clarity. While flocculation is a treatment process that aids in removing larger particles and involves the agglomeration of smaller particles into flocs that can then be settled or filtered out, it is primarily a preparatory step that precedes filtration rather than a standalone method. Thus, filtration serves as the essential final step in the handling of sediment in water treatment processes.