What is the main objective of using flocculants in wastewater treatment?

The primary objective of using flocculants in wastewater treatment is to promote the aggregation of fine particles, including suspended solids and colloidal materials, into larger clusters known as flocs. This process facilitates the removal of these particles from the wastewater during subsequent treatment stages, such as sedimentation or filtration. By enhancing the size and settleability of these aggregates, flocculants play a critical role in improving the efficiency of the treatment process, allowing for cleaner effluent and reduced load on downstream processes.

In contrast to this, other options do not accurately capture the primary function of flocculants. Increasing water temperature, for instance, does not relate to the chemical or physical actions of flocculants. Separating dissolved contaminants usually involves different processes like coagulation or oxidation, rather than the aggregation function that flocculants provide. Neutralizing harmful bacteria typically relies on disinfection methods, such as chlorination or UV treatment, which are different from the flocculation process. Thus, the use of flocculants is specifically tailored to enhance particle aggregation, making it easier to remove suspended materials from wastewater.