During which process is a Slow Sand Filter preferred due to its design?

A Slow Sand Filter is particularly well-suited for low turbidity water treatment because of its design, which allows for the effective removal of suspended particles in the water. The filtering mechanism primarily relies on biological processes along with physical straining, as the water passes through a sand bed, where microorganisms develop a biofilm that aids in the breakdown of organic materials and captures finer particles. This process is highly efficient when managing water with low levels of turbidity, enabling the slow sand filter to provide clearer and cleaner water without the need for additional chemicals or complex mechanical systems.

Higher turbidity levels, on the other hand, would require more aggressive treatment options, such as chemical coagulation or high-pressure filtration, which are better suited for water with significant impurities. Additionally, heavy metal removal typically necessitates specific methods focused on ion exchange or advanced chemical treatments rather than relying on the biological processes within a slow sand filter.