Which of the following will NOT contribute to increased demand for oxygen in treatment processes?

The reason why a decrease in pH will not contribute to increased demand for oxygen in treatment processes lies in the relationship between pH levels and microbial activity. While a decrease in pH can affect the metabolic activity of microorganisms, it does not directly increase the overall demand for oxygen.

In treatment processes, the demand for oxygen is primarily influenced by the load of biodegradable material present, which microorganisms consume during respiration. When organic loads increase, or when the number of microorganisms rises, the demand for oxygen will increase as these microorganisms break down the organic matter. Similarly, an increase in temperature generally enhances microbial metabolism, leading to a greater oxygen demand as well.

Therefore, the effects of pH on microbial activity can vary, and while certain pH levels can inhibit microbial processes, merely decreasing pH does not inherently elevate oxygen demand as the other factors listed do. Understanding the dynamics of these factors helps in predicting how treatment processes will react under varying environmental conditions.