Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is the open space below the underdrain system in a plastic media trickling filter called?

1. Drainage basin

2. Plenum

3. Settling zone

4. Channeling area

The correct answer is: Plenum

In a trickling filter system, the open space below the underdrain system is referred to as the plenum. This area serves as a crucial component for facilitating the movement of liquid through the system. The plenum’s design allows for the effective collection and distribution of effluent that drains through the filtering media, ensuring that the wastewater is treated efficiently as it passes through the filter. The plenum is also important for maintaining proper aeration within the trickling filter, helping to create an optimal environment for the biofilm that develops on the media. By nurturing this interaction between air, waste, and microorganisms, the plenum enhances the overall efficiency of the treatment process. Understanding the role of the plenum contributes to the effective operation and management of wastewater treatment systems, which is essential knowledge for a wastewater operator.