In the biological treatment of wastewater, microorganisms break down the organic matter, such as food, oil, and human waste, in the wastewater and forms CO2 and microbial biomass. When firefighters combat a fire near a wastewater treatment plant where agricultural pesticides are involved, explain why the wastewater treatment operators are notified. Also, explain why there are fewer inorganic pesticides that are encountered today.
Biological treatment of wastewater
Full Answer Section
If a fire involving agricultural pesticides occurs near a wastewater treatment plant, the wastewater treatment operators need to be notified so that they can take steps to protect the microorganisms in the treatment plant. These steps may include:
- Diverting the wastewater to a holding tank or bypass system.
- Adding chemicals to the wastewater to neutralize the pesticides.
- Stopping the treatment process until the pesticides have been removed from the wastewater.
- Government regulations: Many governments have banned or restricted the use of inorganic pesticides due to their toxicity.
- Public awareness: Increased public awareness of the dangers of inorganic pesticides has led to decreased demand for these products.
- The development of organic pesticides: Organic pesticides are less toxic than inorganic pesticides and they are often more effective.
Sample Answer
here are the answers to your questions:
Why are wastewater treatment operators notified when agricultural pesticides are involved in a fire near a wastewater treatment plant?
Wastewater treatment plants use microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater. Agricultural pesticides are organic compounds, and they can be broken down by microorganisms in wastewater treatment plants. However, some agricultural pesticides can be toxic to microorganisms, and they can also interfere with the breakdown of other organic matter in wastewater.