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Why is excess lime added to a portion of water in a split treatment process?
To enhance water color
To reduce magnesium (permanent hardness)
To raise pH levels significantly
To add mineral content
The correct answer is: To reduce magnesium (permanent hardness)
In a split treatment process, excess lime is added to a portion of water primarily to reduce magnesium, which contributes to permanent hardness in water. Lime, or calcium hydroxide, reacts with magnesium ions to form insoluble compounds that can then be removed from the water. This process effectively softens the water by decreasing its hardness, making it more palatable and suitable for consumption and other uses. While other choices might seem relevant, they do not align with the primary reason lime is used in this context. Enhancing water color, raising pH levels significantly, or adding mineral content are not the main objectives when addressing hardness through the addition of excess lime. Instead, the focus is specifically on the reduction of magnesium to improve water quality.