What conventional treatment step is bypassed in direct filtration?

• A. Coagulation
• B. Disinfection
• C. Sedimentation
• D. Filtration

Answer: (C)

In direct filtration, the conventional treatment step that is bypassed is sedimentation. This process typically involves allowing water to sit in a basin so that larger particles can settle to the bottom before further treatment steps, such as filtration and disinfection, are applied. However, in direct filtration systems, water is subjected directly to filtration without this intermediate step.

By skipping sedimentation, direct filtration allows for faster treatment times and can be beneficial in situations where water quality is relatively good and the quantity of suspended solids is lower. It is essential to ensure that the filtration process is adequate to handle any remaining particulates, as sedimentation helps in reducing turbidity and load on subsequent filtration steps. Therefore, while it enhances efficiency and speed in certain contexts, this approach relies on effective filtration to maintain water quality.