Final answer:
There are approximately 5,000 wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. These facilities are essential for treating wastewater to remove contaminants, ensuring it is safe to be released into the environment or reused. Effective treatment of wastewater has environmental and health benefits by preventing pollution and protecting water quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approximately how many wastewater treatment plants exist in the U.S.? The correct answer is D) 5,000. Wastewater treatment is a crucial process in which wastewater or sewage undergoes various treatments such as primary, secondary, and sometimes tertiary treatments.
The aim is to remove contaminants, making the water safe to release back into the environment or for reuse. Each wastewater treatment plant serves to preserve water quality and prevent water pollution, a significant environmental concern.
In a wastewater treatment plant, solid waste is separated from the water, and the water goes through several processes to remove different types of pollutants. These can range from organic matter and nutrients that can lead to eutrophication, to harmful chemicals and pathogens.
The treated water is then typically discharged into rivers, lakes, or the ocean, and in some cases, it may be reused for agricultural or industrial purposes. There are significant environmental benefits associated with treating wastewater effectively.
When wastewater is discharged untreated, it can lead to health hazards and environmental degradation. The United States has laws and regulations in place to ensure that wastewater treatment is effective and that the treated water meets specific safety standards before it is released or reused.