Texas Wastewater Class B Practice Exam

Grit removal is classified as part of which wastewater treatment stage?

1. Primary Treatment

2. Secondary Treatment

3. Tertiary Treatment

4. Advanced Treatment

The correct answer is: Primary Treatment

Grit removal is primarily classified as part of primary treatment in the wastewater treatment process. During the primary treatment stage, large solids, along with grit such as sand, gravel, and other inert materials, are removed from the wastewater. This step is essential because it prevents damage to subsequent treatment equipment and facilitates more efficient processing of the effluent. Primary treatment focuses on the physical separation of solids from liquids, which includes processes like sedimentation and screening. Grit chambers or sand traps are specifically designed to slow down the flow of wastewater, allowing heavier particles and grit to settle out. This foundational step sets the stage for more complex biological processes that occur in secondary treatment, where microorganisms are used to break down organic matter. In contrast, secondary, tertiary, and advanced treatments are focused on biological, chemical, and additional physical processes aimed at reducing contaminants and pathogens further, often not involving significant removal of grit or large particulate matter. Thus, the classification of grit removal within primary treatment underscores its role in the initial stages of wastewater management.