What is one benefit of using anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment?

Using anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment offers multiple advantages, with the reduction of sludge volume being a significant benefit. During the anaerobic digestion process, microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, which results in the stabilization of waste and a considerable reduction in the quantity of residual sludge. This process not only decreases the volume of waste that needs to be managed and disposed of but also creates biogas, which can be harnessed as a renewable energy source. The reduction in sludge volume is advantageous for both operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in wastewater treatment facilities.

In contrast, the other options involve outcomes that are typically not desirable in wastewater treatment. Increased energy consumption, high-temperature requirements, and the need for increased chemical use can lead to higher operational costs and environmental concerns, which contradict the efficiency and sustainability goals that anaerobic digestion aims to achieve. Thus, the clear benefit of reducing sludge volume stands out as a key reason why this method is employed in wastewater treatment processes.