In the process of chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT), what is the first step?

In chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT), coagulation is indeed the first step in the process. This phase involves adding chemicals, known as coagulants, to the wastewater to destabilize and aggregate fine particles, oils, and other contaminants present in the water. When coagulants are introduced, they neutralize the charges on these particles, which normally keep them dispersed. As a result, the particles clump together to form larger aggregates known as "flocs."

This process sets the stage for the subsequent steps in CEPT, such as flocculation, where these larger particles are encouraged to form even bigger masses that can be more easily removed from the water. The effective coagulation at the initial phase is crucial because it enhances the overall efficiency of the treatment process. Without this first step, the later processes would not be as effective in achieving the desired quality of treated wastewater.