Massachusetts Wastewater Practice Exam

True or False: The process to treat conventional wastes at a POTW is sensitive to non-conventional pollutants.

1. True.

2. False.

3. N/A.

4. Depends on the pollutant.

The correct answer is: True.

The treatment process for conventional wastes at a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) indeed exhibits sensitivity to non-conventional pollutants. Conventional pollutants typically include biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and fecal coliform. When non-conventional pollutants enter the treatment process, they can interfere with the efficiency of biological treatment systems that are primarily designed for conventional wastes. Non-conventional pollutants may include various heavy metals, organic chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, which may not be effectively removed by standard treatment methods. These pollutants can inhibit microbial activity, disrupt the treatment processes, or lead to the formation of harmful by-products. Additionally, the presence of non-conventional pollutants may require additional treatment processes, such as advanced filtration or chemical treatment, to ensure compliance with regulatory discharge standards. Given these factors, the correct understanding is that the treatment processes in a POTW must be mindful of non-conventional pollutants' potential impacts to maintain overall system efficiency and environmental safety.