What process typically follows primary treatment in wastewater management?

In wastewater management, after primary treatment, the process that typically follows is secondary treatment. Primary treatment primarily involves the removal of large solids and settleable organic matter through processes such as screening and sedimentation. However, primary treatment does not significantly reduce the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the wastewater, which is necessary for improving water quality.

Secondary treatment is designed to further treat the wastewater by biologically degrading the remaining organic matter. This is usually achieved through methods such as activated sludge processes or trickling filters, where microorganisms break down the organic contaminants. This step is crucial because it removes a large portion of BOD, thus making the water safer for discharge or further treatment.

Following secondary treatment, disinfection and tertiary treatment may occur, but these are subsequent processes. Therefore, understanding that secondary treatment is essential for the biological breakdown of remaining waste following primary treatment highlights its significance in the wastewater treatment process.