Final answer:
Direct filtration water treatment plants exclude the sedimentation process, relying on effective coagulation and filtration to remove particles, followed by disinfection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that is excluded in direct filtration water treatment plants is sedimentation. Unlike conventional water treatment processes which involve coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, direct filtration omits the sedimentation step. Without sedimentation, the floc particles do not have time to settle in a tank before the water moves to filtration. Because of this, the process relies heavily on the effectiveness of coagulation and filtration to remove particles. After filtration, the water goes through disinfection to ensure that any remaining microorganisms are eliminated, making the water safe for public consumption.