What is the most important disadvantage to keep in mind when using comminutors and macerators?

Using comminutors and macerators in wastewater treatment is a common practice aimed at size reduction of solid materials. The most significant disadvantage of these tools is that they do not remove the chopped solids from the wastewater flow. While they aid in breaking down larger solids into smaller pieces, which can aid in downstream processes, any solids that are reduced in size remain in the wastewater. This is crucial because, despite being easier to manage in smaller sizes, these solids can still pose problems for subsequent treatment steps, such as settling in clarifiers or clogging pumps and pipes.

When considering the other options, reducing chemical oxygen demand or removing solids may sound beneficial, but they don't capture the fundamental limitation of comminutors and macerators. The challenge lies in the fact that simply reducing the size of solids does not eliminate their presence in the system, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solid removal processes in wastewater treatment. Proper management of these residuals is essential to avoid potential issues during the treatment process.