What process is described as the separation of suspended particles heavier than water?

The process described as the separation of suspended particles heavier than water is sedimentation. This is a natural process where particles that are denser than the water settle to the bottom due to the force of gravity. Sedimentation is commonly used in water treatment and various industrial processes to remove solids from liquids.

During sedimentation, the heavier particles gradually sink through the liquid, forming a layer of sludge at the bottom of the basin or treatment tank. This allows for the clearer water at the top to be removed or undergo further treatment.

In contrast, filtration involves passing water through a medium that captures particles regardless of their density, while flotation relies on the attachment of air bubbles to lighter particles to float them to the surface. Coagulation, on the other hand, involves the addition of chemicals to destabilize particles, helping them to clump together so they can either settle or be filtered out, but does not specifically refer to settling based on weight alone.