Wastewater New York State Practice Exam

What is a key advantage of using a pure oxygen activated sludge process in wastewater treatment?

1. Increased aeration efficiency

2. Requiring less tank volume

3. Lower operational costs

4. Improved sludge blanket stability

The correct answer is: Requiring less tank volume

In the context of wastewater treatment, the primary advantage of using a pure oxygen activated sludge process lies in the requirement for less tank volume. This is because the pure oxygen process allows for a more efficient utilization of the available oxygen during the microbial digestion of organic pollutants. By supplying pure oxygen to the system, the microorganisms can work more effectively and at higher concentrations, which significantly enhances the overall rate of biological oxidation. As a result, a smaller reactor or tank volume is necessary to achieve the same level of treatment compared to conventional aeration processes that use air. This space efficiency is particularly beneficial in urban areas or places where land availability is limited or expensive. Employing a pure oxygen system can lead to reduced footprint requirements for treatment facilities, allowing for more compact designs that can be integrated into existing infrastructure without needing extensive land expansion. The other options would typically highlight different benefits of this process but do not directly address the most prominent advantage related to tank volume reduction. Understanding this helps in appreciating the design choices in wastewater treatment facilities where maximizing efficiency while minimizing space is crucial.