Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is accomplished by an aerated grit chamber?

1. Grit is removed

2. Grit is washed

3. Wastewater is freshened

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Grit is removed

An aerated grit chamber serves a specific purpose in the wastewater treatment process, primarily focuses on the removal of grit from the wastewater stream. The aeration helps keep the lighter organic materials suspended while allowing the heavier grit particles, such as sand, gravel, and small stones, to settle to the bottom. This separation is crucial because grit can cause wear and tear on equipment, as well as lead to inefficiencies in further treatment processes. While it is true that the aerator promotes some washing of grit particles, that is a secondary benefit rather than a primary function. The primary goal remains the effective removal of grit to protect downstream treatment components. Therefore, stating that the primary accomplishment of an aerated grit chamber is the removal of grit accurately captures its essential function.