Question

Write a short note on the process of sedimentation and decantation.

Answer 1

Sedimentation:

• Sedimentation is the process of removing impurities from suspended particles through gravitational settling.
• It happens when the particles are heavier than the water.
• This procedure is carried out in a basin or tank known as a sedimentation tank. This tank is also known as a settling tank, settling basin, or clarifier.
• Example: Sedimentation is a method used by water treatment plants to filter out unwanted particles from dirty water.

Decantation:

• Decanting is the process of separating a liquid from a solid and other immiscible liquid by removing the upper layer of liquid from the lower solid or liquid layer.
• Example: Oil and water.
• When we leave the mixture of oil and water, two distinct layers are formed, with water at the bottom and oil being lighter at the top.
• We can remove the oil layer from the top by pouring it into another vessel, which leaves us with the water layer at the bottom.