In a treatment facility, what is the benefit of using activated sludge?

The benefit of using activated sludge in a wastewater treatment facility primarily lies in its ability to promote the digestion of organic material through microbial growth. Activated sludge consists of a mixture of wastewater and microorganisms that thrive on organic pollutants present in the water. When this mixture is aerated, the microorganisms, mainly bacteria, consume the organic material, breaking it down into simpler substances. This biological process significantly reduces the amount of organic matter in the wastewater, which is essential for the treatment process.

This method is effective because the microorganisms not only digest the organic material but also multiply, creating a biomass that can absorb more organic waste, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of wastewater treatment. The activated sludge process ultimately leads to cleaner water being discharged into the environment, contributing to pollution control and the protection of aquatic life.

The other options misrepresent the role of activated sludge. While it may facilitate clarification by helping settle solids, it does not function primarily as a physical filter. Additionally, activated sludge does not eliminate all bacteria; instead, it utilizes microbial life to treat wastewater. Lastly, while the process can prevent excessive sedimentation, it does not directly prevent it but rather aims to maintain suitable conditions for sedimentation to occur in separate stages of the treatment process.