Zaymiey

🔬 Biology  ·  Microbes in Human Welfare  ·  NEET

What is the primary treatment of sewage mainly concerned with?

Answer: Removal of suspended solids by settling and screening.

  • A Biological degradation of organic matter using activated sludge
  • B Removal of suspended solids by settling and screening
  • C Chlorination of treated water before final discharge
  • D Addition of coagulant chemicals to settle out solids

Correct answer: B. Removal of suspended solids by settling and screening

Explanation: Primary treatment of sewage involves physical removal of suspended solids through screening and sedimentation.

Sewage Treatment FlowPrimaryphysical filtering+ sedimentationSecondary (aerobic)aeration tank, flocsconsume organic matterActivated sludgesettles out;part reused as inoculumSludge digesterANAEROBIC →biogas (CH₄)Note the switch: aerobic microbes in the tank, anaerobic microbes in the digester

Sewage passes through physical removal (primary), then aerobic biological treatment where microbes form flocs that consume organic matter (secondary); the settled activated sludge is then digested anaerobically to produce biogas - a deliberate switch from aerobic to anaerobic conditions between stages.

Concept context

Microorganisms in food, medicine, sewage treatment, biocontrol, and biofertilizers

Read the full Microbes in Human Welfare notes →