Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is the primary aim of increasing the TS concentration during digester operations?

1. Enhancing energy recovery

2. Reducing digestion time

3. Improving nutrient uptake

4. Increasing operational efficiency

The correct answer is: Enhancing energy recovery

The primary aim of increasing the total solids (TS) concentration during digester operations is to enhance energy recovery. When the TS concentration is elevated, the microbial activity within the digester is optimized, which can lead to more efficient anaerobic digestion processes. This, in turn, can result in the production of greater quantities of biogas—primarily methane—which is a valuable energy source. Higher concentrations of solids can also create a better environment for microorganisms, allowing them to thrive and break down organic matter more effectively. The increased production of biogas contributes to improved energy recovery, making the digestion process not only more effective but also more economically viable by maximizing the utilization of waste as an energy resource. The other options relate to aspects of digester performance, but they do not directly capture the primary aim as effectively as enhancing energy recovery does.