Aeration oxidizes iron and manganese forming what type of substance removed by sedimentation?

Aeration is a process that introduces air into water to promote the oxidation of certain substances. When iron and manganese are oxidized during aeration, they convert from their soluble forms into an insoluble state. This transformation is critical in water treatment because it allows these elements to be effectively removed from the water supply.

Insoluble precipitates are solid particles that form when dissolved substances exceed their solubility limits due to changes in environmental conditions, such as oxidation. Once formed, these precipitates tend to aggregate together, making them larger and heavier, which facilitates their removal through sedimentation. During sedimentation, the heavier insoluble precipitates settle at the bottom of the treatment tank, allowing for clearer water to be obtained above.

Understanding that aeration leads to the formation of these insoluble precipitates emphasizes the importance of oxidation in water treatment processes, as it allows for contaminants like iron and manganese to be efficiently removed, thus improving water quality.