Final answer:
Disinfection is the required step after organic material in wastewater has been broken down by biological processes, involving methods such as chlorine or ozone treatment to purify the water before release.
Step-by-step explanation:
After biological processes have broken down organic material in wastewater, the required step is disinfection. This purifies the water before it is released into the environment, ensuring that any remaining pathogens are killed. Disinfection methods may include treatment with chlorine, ozone, ultraviolet light, or bleach. This step is crucial after secondary treatment, which involves the use of microorganisms in an aeration basin to breakdown contaminants. Post-secondary treatment, the clear water on top passes through filtration, further reducing organic matter and removing dissolved particles, which is followed by disinfection.
In wastewater treatment, after biological processes have effectively broken down organic material during secondary treatment, the subsequent crucial step is disinfection. This stage ensures the purification of the water before its release into the environment by eliminating any remaining pathogens. Various disinfection methods can be employed, such as treatment with chlorine, ozone, ultraviolet light, or bleach. This process becomes particularly vital after secondary treatment, where microorganisms in an aeration basin are utilized to break down contaminants.
Following secondary treatment, the clarified water undergoes filtration, passing through a medium that further reduces organic matter and eliminates dissolved particles. This filtration step enhances the quality of the treated water. Subsequently, the water undergoes disinfection, which is essential for safeguarding environmental health and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases. The combination of secondary treatment, filtration, and disinfection ensures the production of treated wastewater that meets environmental standards before being released into natural water bodies.