The liquid that stands above a sediment or precipitate is referred to as?

The term that describes the liquid standing above sediment or precipitate is known as supernatant. In various scientific processes, particularly in water treatment and laboratory settings, when a mixture is allowed to settle, solids will typically settle to the bottom of a container. The clear liquid that remains on top is called the supernatant. This is often the desired component in processes such as centrifugation or filtration, where the goal is to separate solids from liquids for further analysis or treatment.

In contrast, the other terms relate to different aspects of separation processes. Subnatant is not a commonly used term in this context. Decantate refers to the liquid that has been poured off from the solids, which usually implies an action that has been taken, rather than the liquid remaining above the sediment. Residue signifies the solid matter that remains after a liquid has been removed. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurately describing liquid separation in water treatment and analytical practices.