Final answer:
Wastewater treatment facilities generally use broad-spectrum processes to eliminate a range of pathogens rather than detect each one individually. These treatments include primary, secondary, and tertiary stages culminating in disinfection to ensure water safety before release or reuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most wastewater treatment facilities do not individually test for each pathogenic organism possibly present in wastewater. Instead, the facilities employ broad-spectrum treatment processes that are designed to eliminate or significantly reduce a wide range of pathogens. These processes include primary treatment for solid removal, secondary treatment for bacterial decomposition, and tertiary treatment for extra filtration and disinfection.
During primary treatment, large solids are removed through screening and settling. Secondary treatment involves aerobic bacterial decomposition of organic solids. Tertiary treatment may include advanced filtration methods and chemical treatment such as disinfection with chlorine or ozone to reduce pathogens to a safe level. Specific processes like enhanced biological phosphorus removal can target nutrients like phosphorus.
Disinfection is critical for ensuring that any remaining harmful bacteria and other pathogens are eliminated before the treated water is discharged or reused. Technologies used for this purpose include chlorine treatment, which must be carefully managed to avoid harming aquatic life upon release into the environment.