suspended solid

Suspended solids are a key component of wastewater that require removal during treatment. These are solid particles that do not dissolve and can be separated from the liquid through processes like sedimentation. The amount of sludge produced in a treatment plant is directly related to the quantity of suspended solids present in the sewage.12

Wastewater treatment involves several stages, with primary treatment being the initial step. This phase focuses on removing materials that will either float or settle out by gravity. Processes include screening to block large debris, comminution to grind smaller items, grit removal for materials like sand, and sedimentation in tanks where solids sink to the bottom, forming sludge. This sludge is then pumped out for removal. Primary treatment can remove about 60% of suspended solids and 35% of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).13