Which of the following is true about the extended aeration process?

In the extended aeration process, the primary focus is on the biological treatment of wastewater, where microorganisms break down organic matter over an extended period. This process operates under conditions that favor the growth of microorganisms that are efficient in converting organic material into biomass.

The correct answer highlights that the extended aeration method is designed to reduce the production of waste sludge compared to other treatment methods. This is achieved because the biomass produced in this process is more stable and has a lower rate of decay. As a result, less organic material is converted simply into sludge that needs to be removed and treated further.

In contrast, other treatment processes can generate more waste sludge due to their operational characteristics and the nature of the biological treatments employed, which may not be as effective in stabilizing the mass of microorganisms.

While the extended aeration process may sometimes incur higher operational costs due to increased aeration times and aeration tank sizes, the production of less waste sludge is generally seen as a significant benefit in terms of overall plant operation and maintenance, especially when considering the costs associated with sludge handling and disposal.