Stabilization in water treatment is primarily used to control which issue?

• A. Coloration
• B. Corrosion
• C. Scaling
• D. Temperature

Answer: (B)

Stabilization in water treatment is primarily focused on controlling corrosion. This process typically involves the addition of specific chemicals to the water that create a protective layer on the surfaces of pipes and tanks, thus preventing the metal from reacting with the water. Corrosion not only leads to the degradation of infrastructure, but it can also introduce harmful metals into the water supply, impacting water quality and safety.

While the other issues such as coloration, scaling, and temperature are important in the context of water quality management, stabilization techniques specifically address the fundamental challenges posed by corrosion. For example, controlling scaling is often related to hardness and mineral content in water rather than a direct influence of the water's chemistry on metal surfaces. Similarly, temperature adjustments are usually handled through heating or cooling processes rather than chemical stabilization. Therefore, the main goal of stabilization processes is to mitigate the risks associated with corrosion, ensuring the longevity of pipes and the safety of drinking water.