Florida Wastewater Practice Test

What is another term commonly used for organic solids in wastewater treatment?

1. Inorganic solids

2. Volatile solids

3. Non-volatile solids

4. Suspended solids

The correct answer is: Volatile solids

The term "volatile solids" is commonly used to describe organic solids in wastewater treatment. This terminology refers to the portion of the solid material that can be vaporized or decomposed upon heating, which is indicative of the organic matter present in the wastewater. When organic solids are subjected to heat, they break down into gases, leaving behind a residual solid material that is primarily inorganic in nature. The significance of volatile solids lies in their connection to biological processes in wastewater treatment. Organic solids are vital nutrients for microorganisms, which in turn play a crucial role in breaking down waste materials. Monitoring the concentration of volatile solids helps determine the biological activity in treatment systems, providing insight into the efficiency of organic matter decomposition. In contrast, inorganic solids primarily comprise minerals and other non-organic particles found in wastewater, which do not contribute to the organic content. Non-volatile solids encompass both organic and inorganic solids that do not volatilize upon heating, while suspended solids refer to particles that remain dispersed in the wastewater but may include both organic and inorganic materials. Thus, "volatile solids" is the term specifically used to denote the organic component of solids in wastewater treatment.