ABSTRACT
Water filtration is a physical process of separating suspended and colloidal particles from waste by passing the water through a granular material. The process of filtration involves straining, settling, and adsorption. As floc passes into the filter, the spaces between the filter grains become clogged, reducing this opening and increasing removal. Some material is removed merely because it settles on a media grain. One of the most important processes is adsorption of the floc onto the surface of individual filter grains. In addition to removing silt and sediment, floc, algae, insect larvae, and any other large elements, filtration also contributes to the removal of bacteria and protozoans such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium. Some filtration processes are also used for iron and manganese removal.
