Florida Wastewater Practice Test

What can high levels of suspended solids in wastewater indicate?

1. A low organic load

2. High microbial activity

3. Potential treatment failures

4. Stable system conditions

The correct answer is: Potential treatment failures

High levels of suspended solids in wastewater can indicate potential treatment failures because they often signify that the treatment system is not effectively removing solids from the wastewater. This can suggest that there is insufficient treatment capacity, equipment malfunction, or that the process parameters are not being adequately controlled. When suspended solids remain elevated, it can lead to issues such as reduced treatment efficiency, increased biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and the potential for violations of discharge permits. Hence, a monitoring increase in suspended solids should prompt operators to investigate and rectify potential problems within the treatment process to ensure compliance and protect both public health and the environment. In contrast, low organic loads, high microbial activity, or stable system conditions tend to be associated with effective treatment processes, which would not typically show high levels of suspended solids.