Which media is most commonly used for rapid filtration in water treatment?

The most commonly used media for rapid filtration in water treatment is sand. Sand filters are integral in water treatment processes as they effectively remove suspended solids and microorganisms from water, enhancing the clarity and safety of the water supply.

Sand's properties are well-suited for this purpose; it has a relatively high filtration rate, is readily available, and is efficient in capturing particles due to its surface area and the size of its grains. The design of rapid sand filters enables higher flow rates compared to slower filtration methods, making them ideal for municipal water treatment systems where large volumes of water need to be processed quickly.

Granular activated carbon, while effective for removing organic contaminants and chlorine, is not typically used as the primary filter medium in rapid water treatment due to its higher cost and different filtration capabilities. Crushed anthracite may also be used, but it is more common in dual-media filtration systems where it is combined with sand to enhance the performance of the filtration process. Ilmenite, while it has some industrial applications, is not a standard medium in rapid water treatment processes and is less familiar in conventional filtration systems.