What does the term “microfiltration” refer to in wastewater treatment?

The term “microfiltration” specifically refers to a membrane filtration process designed to separate suspended solids and some bacteria from liquids, including wastewater. This technique utilizes a membrane with very small pore sizes, typically ranging from 0.1 to 10 micrometers. As wastewater passes through the microfiltration membrane, larger particles such as suspended solids, bacteria, and certain protozoa are retained, while water and dissolved substances can pass through.

This separation is crucial in wastewater treatment as it helps in improving the quality of the effluent and can play a significant role in advanced treatment processes. Other methods mentioned, such as nutrient removal or chemical disinfection, do not involve the physical filtration mechanism that microfiltration employs. Instead, they rely on different processes, making microfiltration uniquely aligned with the specific definition and functionality described in the question.