Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

Which compound is not removed through the bio-flocculation process?

1. Soluble BOD

2. Suspended solids

3. Organic matter

4. Ammonia nitrogen

The correct answer is: Ammonia nitrogen

The process of bio-flocculation primarily focuses on the removal of suspended solids, organic matter, and soluble biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from wastewater. Bio-flocculation involves the aggregation of bacteria and other microorganisms into flocs, which then settle out of the water, effectively removing these contaminants through natural biological processes. Ammonia nitrogen, on the other hand, is a soluble compound that typically remains in the water after the bio-flocculation process. While the removal of ammonia nitrogen may occur during subsequent treatment stages, such as nitrification or through specific biological processes designed to target nitrogen, it is not directly addressed or removed by bio-flocculation alone. Therefore, bio-flocculation is not a primary method for ammonia nitrogen removal, making it the correct choice in this context.