Which pollutants are typically monitored in wastewater treatment facilities?

Which pollutants are typically monitored in wastewater treatment facilities?

• A. Lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium
• B. BOD, COD, TSS, nutrients, and pathogens
• C. Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides
• D. Ozone levels and airborne particulate matter

Answer: (B)

Wastewater treatment facilities primarily focus on pollutants that directly affect water quality and the safety of treated effluent. The choice that identifies the typical pollutants monitored in such facilities includes biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Monitoring BOD and COD is crucial because they indicate the amount of organic matter present in the water, which can deplete oxygen in receiving waters and harm aquatic life if not treated adequately. Total suspended solids are monitored to assess the clarity and quality of the water, as high levels can negatively impact aquatic habitats and hinder the treatment process. Nutrient levels are scrutinized because excessive nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water bodies, harming ecosystems. Lastly, pathogens are monitored to ensure the water is safe and meets health regulations before it is discharged or reused. Other options involve pollutants that are either associated with air quality (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone levels, and airborne particulate matter) or are less relevant to the specific concerns handled within a wastewater treatment context.

Wastewater treatment facilities primarily focus on pollutants that directly affect water quality and the safety of treated effluent. The choice that identifies the typical pollutants monitored in such facilities includes biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Monitoring BOD and COD is crucial because they indicate the amount of organic matter present in the water, which can deplete oxygen in receiving waters and harm aquatic life if not treated adequately. Total suspended solids are monitored to assess the clarity and quality of the water, as high levels can negatively impact aquatic habitats and hinder the treatment process. Nutrient levels are scrutinized because excessive nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water bodies, harming ecosystems. Lastly, pathogens are monitored to ensure the water is safe and meets health regulations before it is discharged or reused.

Other options involve pollutants that are either associated with air quality (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone levels, and airborne particulate matter) or are less relevant to the specific concerns handled within a wastewater treatment context.