How does temperature affect the treatment of wastewater?

How does temperature affect the treatment of wastewater?

• A. Higher temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen levels
• B. Higher temperatures decrease biological processes
• C. Higher temperatures increase biological processes
• D. Higher temperatures have no impact on treatment

Answer: (C)

Higher temperatures increase biological processes in wastewater treatment because many microorganisms thrive in warmer conditions. The metabolic rates of bacteria and other microorganisms involved in the breakdown of organic matter are enhanced as the temperature rises. This leads to faster decomposition and improved efficiency in the treatment process, allowing for more rapid nutrient removal and better overall treatment effectiveness. Warm temperatures can accelerate the activity of aerobic bacteria, which are crucial for processes such as activated sludge and biological nutrient removal systems. This increased activity can lead to a quicker stabilization of organic materials and a reduction in the time required for treatment. In contrast, cooler temperatures can slow down these biological processes, potentially leading to longer treatment times and lesser effectiveness in removing contaminants. Thus, higher temperatures generally facilitate a more efficient treatment of wastewater, making this the correct choice.

Higher temperatures increase biological processes in wastewater treatment because many microorganisms thrive in warmer conditions. The metabolic rates of bacteria and other microorganisms involved in the breakdown of organic matter are enhanced as the temperature rises. This leads to faster decomposition and improved efficiency in the treatment process, allowing for more rapid nutrient removal and better overall treatment effectiveness.

Warm temperatures can accelerate the activity of aerobic bacteria, which are crucial for processes such as activated sludge and biological nutrient removal systems. This increased activity can lead to a quicker stabilization of organic materials and a reduction in the time required for treatment.

In contrast, cooler temperatures can slow down these biological processes, potentially leading to longer treatment times and lesser effectiveness in removing contaminants. Thus, higher temperatures generally facilitate a more efficient treatment of wastewater, making this the correct choice.