Water Treatment Plant Operator Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

Straining of suspended particles during filtration is classified as having a minor role because it primarily occurs when particles are larger than the openings in the filter media. While straining can effectively remove larger particles, the overall filtration process relies more on other mechanisms, such as adsorption, depth filtration, and biological activity, especially in water treatment systems.

In many filtration systems, the depth and surface mechanisms contribute significantly to the overall removal efficiency of particles. Smaller particles, particularly those that are colloidal or in suspension, are often removed through these mechanisms rather than through straining alone. Moreover, filters are designed to capture particles of varying sizes, meaning that smaller particles can still pass through the filter media despite the presence of straining.

Thus, while straining can play a role in trapping some larger suspended particles, its contribution is not as significant compared to the other filtration processes that assist in treating water effectively.