Prepare for the Texas Wastewater Class B Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question accompanied by hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following factors directly affects the aeration tank performance?

  1. Temperature of the inlet water

  2. Mixing speed of the aerator

  3. Dissolved Oxygen levels

  4. Size of the aeration tank

The correct answer is: Dissolved Oxygen levels

The performance of the aeration tank is significantly influenced by the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. Dissolved oxygen is crucial for the aerobic microorganisms that break down organic matter in the wastewater. Adequate levels of dissolved oxygen ensure that these microorganisms can efficiently metabolize the organic pollutants, leading to effective treatment. Low dissolved oxygen levels can result in incomplete degradation of contaminants, potentially causing poor effluent quality. While other factors, such as the temperature of the inlet water, mixing speed of the aerator, and size of the aeration tank, can have an impact on overall system efficiency, dissolved oxygen levels are directly tied to the biological processes that occur within the tank. Without sufficient dissolved oxygen, the desired biological reactions cannot occur effectively, making it the most critical factor for aeration tank performance.