Dive into the 2025 NY Wastewater Exam – Flush Away the Competition with Confidence!

The process of small scattered particles coming together to form larger particles is most accurately described by the term flocculation. Flocculation involves the agglomeration of particles due to the presence of flocculating agents, which help to bind the particles together. This process is essential in wastewater treatment, as it allows for the easier removal of suspended solids from water.

In contrast, coagulation, which is the choice given, refers to the initial phase where chemicals (coagulants) are added to neutralize the charges on small particles, leading to their aggregation. Coagulation typically precedes flocculation, but it specifically describes the stabilization of dispersed particles rather than their combination into larger flocs.

While aggregation may seem similar, it usually refers to the general process of particles joining together, often used in different contexts outside of wastewater treatment. The term algorithm, unrelated to the processes of particle interaction, refers to a set of rules or steps for computation or problem-solving. Thus, flocculation is the accurate term for the specific process of small particles forming flocs in wastewater treatment.