Texas Wastewater Class B Practice Exam

Which of these methods is NOT commonly used for wastewater treatment?

1. Activated sludge process

2. Composting

3. Membrane filtration

4. Electrolysis

The correct answer is: Electrolysis

The method that is not commonly used for wastewater treatment is electrolysis. While electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to drive a chemical reaction and can theoretically be applied in some contexts for treating water, it is not a standard or widely adopted practice for wastewater treatment. In contrast, the activated sludge process is a well-established method that involves aerating wastewater to promote the growth of bacteria, which break down organic matter. Composting is typically more associated with solid waste management, but it can also play a role in treating biosolids from wastewater treatment. Membrane filtration is increasingly adopted in wastewater treatment systems for its ability to physically separate contaminants from water, providing effective treatment options, especially for advanced treatment scenarios. Overall, electrolysis lacks the same level of application and effectiveness as the other methods mentioned in the context of conventional wastewater treatment.