What Is Supernatant Liquid?

A supernatant liquid is the clear liquid that remains above the solid residue after a mixture has been allowed to settle or has been centrifuged.

When a suspension (solid particles in a liquid) is left undisturbed, the heavier particles settle at the bottom due to gravity. The liquid that remains on the top is called the supernatant liquid.

Example

• In muddy water, soil particles settle down and the clear water above is the supernatant liquid.
• In blood separation, plasma acts as the supernatant after centrifugation.

Uses of Supernatant Liquid

• Used in purification processes like water treatment.
• Collected for testing in biological and chemical labs.
• Helps separate mixtures during experiments.

Process of Separation

1. Take a mixture of solid and liquid in a beaker.
2. Allow it to stand undisturbed for some time.
3. The solid settles down forming sediment.
4. The clear liquid above is the supernatant.