Which process is primarily involved in the removal of organic solids from wastewater?

Biological treatment is the primary process involved in the removal of organic solids from wastewater because it leverages the natural metabolic processes of microorganisms. These microorganisms consume organic matter present in the wastewater, breaking it down into simpler substances. This process is critical in wastewater treatment facilities, where the goal is to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the effluent, which is a measure of the amount of organic material that can be biologically degraded.

In biological treatment systems, such as activated sludge processes or trickling filters, the microorganisms are actively encouraged to grow in large numbers. As they digest the organic solids, they convert them into biomass and other by-products, effectively reducing the concentration of harmful organic materials in the water. This method is highly efficient and is widely utilized in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

Other processes, while important in the overall treatment of wastewater, do not specifically target the removal of organic solids to the same extent as biological treatment. For instance, filtration primarily focuses on separating solids by size and is less effective at digesting organic matter. Chemical treatment typically involves the addition of chemicals to facilitate coagulation or disinfection rather than directly digesting organic materials. Mechanical treatment often involves physical processes like sedimentation or screening, which do not actively