Which of the following is a common treatment process used in wastewater treatment?

Sedimentation is a fundamental treatment process used in wastewater treatment. It involves the settling of solid particles from liquid wastewater due to gravity. During this process, heavier solids, known as sludge, settle at the bottom of a treatment tank, allowing the clearer liquid, referred to as supernatant, to be removed from the top. This stage is crucial as it reduces the concentration of suspended solids and helps in the overall clarification of wastewater before it undergoes further treatment.

This technique is commonly employed in various stages of wastewater treatment facilities, such as primary treatment, where it is one of the first steps to remove larger particulate matter. Sedimentation is efficient and cost-effective, making it a staple process in the wastewater treatment industry.