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How decantation is carried out during separation of mixtures and its limitations

Answer Text:
Decantation:
- Is a method used to separate insoluble solids from liquids; a heterogenous mixture.
Procedure:
- The solid-liquid mixture is allowed to stand in a container.
- The insoluble solid settles at the bottom and the upper liquid portion poured out with care.
Apparatus.

Examples:
- Separation of sand-water mixture
- Separation of maize flourwater mixture.
Limitations (disadvantages) of decantation.
- It is not efficient as some fine suspended solids may come along with the liquid during pouring.