The Main Goal of the Primary Treatment Phase of Wastewater

Question

The main goal of the primary treatment phase of wastewater treatment is the
A)reduction of total organic content (TOC).
B)removal of pathogenic microbes.
C)reduction of nitrogen.
D)removal of particulate matter.
E)removal of toxic chemicals.

Accepted Answer

The main goal of the primary treatment phase of wastewater treatment is the removal of particulate matter. This includes solids such as grit, gravel, and large debris that are typically removed through physical processes like screening, settling, and sedimentation. Particulate matter can cause blockages in downstream treatment processes, so it is important to remove it early on in the treatment process. While reduction of TOC, reduction of nitrogen, removal of pathogenic microbes, and removal of toxic chemicals are all important goals of wastewater treatment, they are typically addressed in later stages of treatment.