In a wastewater treatment facility, what is the primary function of microorganisms?

Microorganisms in a wastewater treatment facility play a crucial role primarily through the process of breaking down organic matter. This biological process is essential for the treatment of sewage and industrial waste, as it involves the decomposition of waste materials by bacteria, protozoa, and other microorganisms. During this breakdown, these microorganisms consume organic matter, which reduces the volume of waste and helps to convert it into simpler substances that are less harmful to the environment.

The degradation of organic matter also facilitates the removal of pollutants, making the treated water safer for discharge into the environment or for possible reuse. By effectively breaking down complex organic materials, microorganisms help to mitigate the negative impacts of wastewater on public health and ecosystems.

Other functions, such as filtering out heavy solids or neutralizing harmful chemicals, are more specific to physical and chemical treatment processes and do not primarily involve the actions of microorganisms. While adding oxygen to the water is important for aerobic digestion and can be a part of the process, it is not the primary function of microorganisms themselves. Their main purpose lies in the biological decomposition of organic material.