Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is one of the primary goals of aerobic digestion?

1. Increase volume of sludge

2. Reduce number of pathogens

3. Create odors for natural processes

4. Enhance vector attraction

The correct answer is: Reduce number of pathogens

One of the primary goals of aerobic digestion is to reduce the number of pathogens present in wastewater sludge. During the aerobic digestion process, microorganisms break down organic matter in the presence of oxygen. This biological activity not only facilitates the stabilization of the sludge by reducing its volume but also significantly diminishes the levels of harmful pathogens. The reduction of pathogens is crucial for environmental and public health reasons, as it makes the treated sludge safer for land application or disposal. Aerobic digestion also contributes to improving the overall quality of the effluent by converting organic solids into less harmful substances. The end products of this process, including carbon dioxide and water, are generally benign, which helps minimize the risk of contamination or disease transmission when the sludge is reused or released into the environment.