Which of the following organisms should operators be most concerned about in wastewater treatment?

In wastewater treatment, operators should be particularly concerned about amoeboids, flagellates, ciliates, and rotifers due to their role in maintaining a healthy biological treatment process. These organisms are crucial components of the microbial community in activated sludge systems and other biological treatment processes. They contribute significantly to the breakdown of organic matter and help in the clarification of wastewater, thus ensuring effective treatment.

Amoeboids, flagellates, ciliates, and rotifers are part of the protozoan population, which can indicate the health and stability of the microbial community within the treatment system. Monitoring their populations can help operators detect issues such as overload or toxicity in the treatment process. An imbalance in these organisms can lead to poor treatment performance and ultimately affect the effluent quality.

Understanding the dynamics of these organisms allows operators to respond proactively to changes that may compromise the treatment process, helping to maintain compliance with discharge permits and protect water quality.