Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What strategy is often employed to prevent excessive algae growth in wastewater ponds?

1. Adding chemical algicides

2. Increasing wastewater inflow

3. Regular sludge removal

4. Introducing competitive species

The correct answer is: Introducing competitive species

Introducing competitive species is a strategy utilized to manage and prevent excessive algae growth in wastewater ponds. This method leverages the concept of biological competition, where other plants or organisms are introduced into the pond ecosystem. These competitive species can absorb nutrients and resources that would otherwise be available to algae, thereby limiting their growth. By incorporating species that utilize similar resources, such as light and nutrients, it creates a more balanced ecosystem. This biological control method is often more sustainable and less harmful than the application of chemical treatments because it avoids introducing potentially toxic substances into the environment. While adding chemical algicides is a direct approach to curtailing algae growth, it can have harmful side effects on the aquatic ecosystem. Increasing wastewater inflow may seem like a solution, but it can lead to more nutrients entering the pond, which could actually promote algae growth. Regular sludge removal is important for overall pond health, but it does not directly prevent algae proliferation; it mostly helps in maintaining adequate pond depth and reducing nutrient buildup over time. Thus, introducing competitive species aligns best with a natural and environmentally friendly approach to controlling algae growth.