What is the primary role of aeration in wastewater treatment?

The primary role of aeration in wastewater treatment is to increase dissolved oxygen in the water. Aeration involves the introduction of air into the wastewater, which enhances the oxygen concentration in the liquid. This is essential for the survival and activity of aerobic microorganisms that break down organic matter and pollutants through biological processes. The increase in dissolved oxygen not only supports these microorganisms but also helps to improve the overall efficiency of the treatment process by accelerating the degradation of organic compounds.

While reducing odor and facilitating chemical reactions can be secondary benefits or associated functions in some contexts, they do not capture the core purpose of aeration. Similarly, increasing water temperature is not a primary aim of aeration; rather, it can be an unintended side effect depending on the conditions of the aeration process. Thus, enhancing dissolved oxygen levels stands out as the fundamental objective of aeration in wastewater treatment.