Which zones are present in a typical sedimentation basin?

In a typical sedimentation basin, the specific zones serve distinct purposes in the water treatment process. The inlet zone is where the water enters the basin, allowing for an initial distribution of flow. Following this is the settling zone, which is crucial for the sedimentation process itself. In this zone, gravity allows heavier particles and floc formed during coagulation to settle to the bottom of the basin, forming sludge. The sludge zone is important as it collects the settled particles that must be periodically removed to maintain the efficiency of the basin. Finally, the outlet zone facilitates the removal of the clarified water, which is now less turbid and ready for further treatment or distribution.

This configuration effectively describes the flow and processing of water through a sedimentation basin, making option B the most accurate representation of how these zones are arranged and function within the sedimentation process. Other choices either include processes or elements that do not accurately reflect the operational zones of a sedimentation basin.