Water Nuggets Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

An increase in total dissolved solids (TDS) in water typically means a higher concentration of dissolved minerals and organic compounds. This elevated level of TDS affects the coagulation process, which is crucial in water treatment. Coagulation involves the addition of chemicals that help agglomerate suspended particles and impurities into larger clusters (flocs) that can be easily removed from the water.

When TDS levels are high, the overall ionic strength of the water increases, which can alter the natural charge dynamics of the particles. This can lead to a situation where more time is needed for effective coagulation. The increased concentration of dissolved substances can interfere with the charge neutralization process necessary for particles to clump together. Consequently, longer mixing times or additional chemical coagulants may be required to achieve optimal floc formation. Therefore, the increase in the time required for coagulation directly ties to the challenges introduced by higher TDS levels.