What does slaking involve?

• A. Heating quicklime
• B. Adding water to quicklime
• C. Mixing lime with sediment
• D. Storing lime in dry conditions

Answer: (B)

Slaking refers to the process of adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide) to produce hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide). This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, and it transforms the highly caustic quicklime into a more manageable form. Hydrated lime is widely used in various applications, including wastewater treatment, as it helps in pH adjustment and the coagulation of solids.

By adding water to quicklime during slaking, one not only creates a product that is safer to handle but also one that is effective in multiple environmental management scenarios. Understanding slaking is crucial in wastewater treatment processes, as the proper application of lime can significantly influence the treatment efficiency and the overall quality of the treated effluent.