What is biological treatment in wastewater management?

Biological treatment in wastewater management refers to the method of treating wastewater using living organisms, primarily aerobic bacteria. This treatment harnesses the natural biochemical processes to break down organic matter in wastewater, transforming it into less harmful substances.

In aerobic biological treatment, oxygen is supplied to enable aerobic bacteria to thrive, allowing them to metabolize organic pollutants and pathogens present in the wastewater. The process often occurs in large tanks or ponds where the wastewater is mixed with bacteria and oxygen, leading to significant reduction of contaminants. This method is effective and environmentally friendly, as it uses natural processes rather than relying solely on chemical treatments.

The other options involve different methodologies for managing water and wastewater but do not specifically pertain to the biological processes involved in the treatment of wastewater. For instance, chemical sterilization focuses on disinfection rather than breakdown of organic matter, while underwater filtration is a mechanical process and recycling water does not specifically denote biological treatment.