Which of the following describes the function of scrubbers in wastewater treatment plants?

Scrubbers in wastewater treatment plants are primarily used to neutralize odors through chemical reactions. They work by using a scrubbing solution that absorbs or reacts with odor-causing compounds, effectively minimizing unpleasant smells associated with the treatment process. This is particularly important in maintaining air quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations regarding air emissions.

The other options, while related to wastewater treatment, describe different processes. Reducing the volume of wastewater typically involves processes such as evaporation or concentration, which are not the main function of scrubbers. Separating solid and liquid waste is done through filtration or sedimentation methods, which again do not involve scrubbers. Finally, filtering heavy metals usually involves specialized systems like ion exchange or reverse osmosis, rather than the chemical neutralization process employed by scrubbers.