Which of the following is a characteristic of biofilm in wastewater treatment?

In wastewater treatment, biofilm is an essential aspect of the biological treatment process. A defining characteristic of biofilm is its ability to provide a surface for microorganisms to attach and grow. This attachment is crucial because once microorganisms establish themselves on a surface, they can better break down organic matter and pollutants present in wastewater. The biofilm effectively creates a community of diverse microorganisms that can work together to enhance the degradation of contaminants, leading to improved treatment efficiency.

The surface area provided by biofilm allows for a greater number of microorganisms to thrive compared to those freely suspended in solution. This is particularly important in processes like trickling filters or moving bed biofilm reactors, where the biofilm structure maximizes contact between the microorganisms and the wastewater, promoting effective treatment.

This characteristic distinguishes biofilm as a vital and beneficial component in the wastewater treatment process, playing a significant role in ensuring that contaminants are adequately removed before the treated water is discharged or further processed.