How Do Wastewater Treatment Plants Work?

What is the first step in the wastewater treatment process?

• Secondary treatment

• Disinfection

• Pretreatment

• Aeration

What does the pretreatment process aim to remove from sewage?

• Bacteria

• Larger items like toys and flushable wipes

• Organic matter

• Sand and rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

How many wastewater treatment plants are there in the US?

• About 10,000

• Over 20,000

• Approximately 5,000

• 14,748

What is the purpose of aeration basins in the wastewater treatment process?

• To degrade biological content

• To filter the water

• To disinfect the water

• To remove larger items

Which method is NOT used for disinfecting water in the wastewater treatment process?

• Carbon filtration

• Ultraviolet light

• Chlorine

• Ozone

What percentage of organic matter is removed from the water by the end of the wastewater treatment process?

• Nearly 100%

• About 50%

• Around 75%

• 85%

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What happens to the items removed by bar screens during pretreatment?

• Sent to a landfill or solid waste facility

• Recycled for further use

• Returned to the sewage system

• Processed into biofuel

What is the final step in the wastewater treatment process?

• Aeration

• Secondary clarification

• Disinfection

• Effluent release