What are the downstream benefits of CEPT?

The correct choice highlights the downstream benefits of Chemical Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) in wastewater management. CEPT is designed to enhance the removal of suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater while potentially reducing the need for energy-intensive processes involved in biological treatment.

By implementing CEPT, facilities can experience decreased aeration energy requirements. This reduction occurs because less biological treatment is needed when solid matter is efficiently removed through the chemical processes. Simultaneously, increased gas production refers to the enhanced generation of biogas, primarily methane, during the decomposition of remaining organic material in anaerobic digesters. This biogas can be harnessed for energy production, thereby improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of the treatment process.

Other options do not accurately reflect the benefits associated with CEPT. For example, decreased chemical usage only does not capture the broader implications of the treatment process, which include energy savings and enhanced gas production. Similarly, stating increased power production only oversimplifies the advantages without mentioning other crucial benefits like reduced aeration energy. Increased chemical usage and decreased heat also do not align with the objective of CEPT, which emphasizes efficient treatment and resource recovery.