Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What aspect of trickling filter performance is affected by the type of media used?

1. Odor control efficiency

2. Biological treatment effectiveness

3. Mechanical stability

4. Electrical consumption

The correct answer is: Biological treatment effectiveness

The effectiveness of biological treatment in a trickling filter is significantly influenced by the type of media used. The media, which can be composed of various materials such as rocks, plastic, or other synthetic materials, provides the surface area on which biofilms can develop. These biofilms are a collection of microorganisms that break down organic matter in the wastewater during the treatment process. Different media types have varying surface areas, porosity, and shapes, which can alter the growth and efficiency of these biofilms. For example, some media may provide a more extensive surface area for microbial attachment, thus enhancing the biological treatment process by promoting more efficient nutrient removal and better overall wastewater treatment. In contrast, media with lower surface areas may not support as robust a biofilm, leading to reduced biological treatment effectiveness. In terms of odor control, mechanical stability, and electrical consumption, while these factors may also be important in the overall design and operation of a trickling filter, they are not directly influenced as significantly by the type of media as biological treatment effectiveness is. Therefore, the selection of media is crucial for optimizing the performance of the trickling filter in successfully treating wastewater.