Final answer:
In an activated sludge tank, organic matter is oxidized, adsorbed to the floc, and incorporated into microbial cells. This is part of the secondary treatment of wastewater to reduce organic waste and prevent water pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
When wastewater is in an activated sludge tank, much of the organic matter undergoes several processes. These include being oxidized by the microorganisms, which use oxygen to break down the organic compounds into simpler substances. Additionally, organic matter can be adsorbed to the floc, which is the mass formed by microorganisms and waste materials that come together during the treatment process. The organic matter can also be incorporated into microbial cells as microorganisms consume the organic compounds as food and integrate them into new cellular material. Therefore, the correct answer is D) oxidized, adsorbed to the floc, and incorporated into microbial cells.
The activated sludge process is a key component of secondary treatment in sewage management, where the ultimate goal is to reduce water pollution by effectively handling organic waste and preventing pathogenic microorganisms from entering water bodies. This is achieved through oxygenation, microbial decomposition, and subsequent phases like solids processing and filtration. By the end of this process, the treated wastewater can be safely discharged or reused for various purposes, contributing to the global efforts to alleviate water pollution crises.