Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

Suspended solids in wastewater can be categorized into which two parts?

1. Decomposable and Non-decomposable

2. Settleable and Non settleable

3. Organic and Inorganic

4. Soluble and Insuluble

The correct answer is: Settleable and Non settleable

Suspended solids in wastewater are typically categorized into settleable and non-settleable solids based on their behavior during sedimentation. Settleable solids are those that can be removed from the water through gravity in a relatively short period, meaning they will settle to the bottom of a sedimentation tank or clarifier. These solids generally include larger particles that can easily be separated from the liquid phase. Non-settleable solids, on the other hand, remain suspended in the water column and cannot be removed by gravity alone. They are usually finer particles that may require additional treatment methods, such as filtration or chemical coagulation, to effectively remove them from the wastewater. Understanding this distinction is crucial for wastewater operators as it affects the design and operation of wastewater treatment processes. Effective removal of solids can lead to improved water quality and compliance with regulatory standards.