Direct filtration can produce good quality water at a lower cost if the water being treated is?

Direct filtration is a water treatment process that effectively removes particles from water through a filtering medium without the need for a separate coagulation and flocculation step. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of direct filtration depend significantly on the characteristics of the source water being treated.

When water is low in suspended matter and turbidity, as indicated in the first option, it means that the presence of particulate substances that can obstruct the filter is minimized. This allows the filtration process to operate more efficiently since there are fewer particles to capture, leading to better quality water and lower operational costs.

Similarly, when the water is low in color, coliform organisms, and plankton, as highlighted in the second option, it contributes to producing high-quality filtered water. Low color levels mean there are fewer dissolved organic compounds that can impede light transmission and require additional treatment. Reducing the presence of coliform organisms is critical for ensuring the microbiological safety of drinking water, while low plankton levels can prevent biofouling of the filtration media, which can complicate maintenance and increase costs.

The presence of paper fiber, mentioned in the third choice, is another factor. Water that is free of such fibers tends to be clearer and more easily filtered. Fibers can clog filters and