California Wastewater Treatment Operator Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the California Wastewater Treatment Operator Exam. Gain knowledge through multiple-choice questions and flashcards. Understand key concepts and regulations essential for wastewater treatment operations in California.

Practice this question and more.

Why should sludge at the bottom of a clarifier be removed in a timely manner?

to prevent sludge gasification which causes the sludge to float
to increase sludge volume for reuse
to enhance microbiological activity in the sludge
to improve sedimentation efficiency in the clarifier

The correct answer is: to prevent sludge gasification which causes the sludge to float

Sludge at the bottom of a clarifier should be removed in a timely manner to prevent sludge gasification, which causes the sludge to float. When sludge undergoes gasification, it can rise to the surface, affecting the clarifier's performance by interfering with the settling process and potentially causing solids carryover. This can reduce the effectiveness of the clarifier in solids removal and overall treatment efficiency. Therefore, timely removal of sludge helps maintain the proper operation of the clarifier and prevent issues related to gasification.