Which treatment step reduces suspended and dissolved organic materials by bacteria using oxygen?

Study for the Dual Enrollment Environmental Science Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which treatment step reduces suspended and dissolved organic materials by bacteria using oxygen?

Explanation:
Aerobic biological treatment in wastewater uses oxygen-using bacteria to break down organic matter. In secondary treatment, microbes in aerated tanks digest both suspended and dissolved organics, turning them into carbon dioxide, water, and new microbial biomass. This step relies on oxygen to drive the bacterial metabolism that reduces the organic load, unlike primary treatment which mainly relies on physical removal, or tertiary/quaternary stages that focus on polishing the water with advanced or chemical processes.

Aerobic biological treatment in wastewater uses oxygen-using bacteria to break down organic matter. In secondary treatment, microbes in aerated tanks digest both suspended and dissolved organics, turning them into carbon dioxide, water, and new microbial biomass. This step relies on oxygen to drive the bacterial metabolism that reduces the organic load, unlike primary treatment which mainly relies on physical removal, or tertiary/quaternary stages that focus on polishing the water with advanced or chemical processes.

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