Final answer:
After primary treatment, wastewater will have had most solid wastes removed but may still contain some organic matter, heavy metals, and pathogens. The water isn't potable and requires further treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Wastewater Treatment
After the primary treatment of wastewater, the water typically still contains some dissolved organic matter, heavy metals, and possibly pathogens, but a significant portion of the solid waste would have been removed. Primary treatment involves the physical separation of solid material from the wastewater, allowing solids (sludge) to settle at the bottom and oils and lighter substances to rise to the top, which are then removed. The primary goal at this stage is to remove solid and organic matter from water, which prepares it for secondary treatment where biological processes further reduce pollutants.
Content After Primary Treatment:
- Pathogens - May still be present, but their numbers are reduced.
- Heavy Metals - Some may still remain in the water as they are not specifically targeted for removal in primary treatment.
- Organic Matter - There will still be some present; further removal occurs during secondary treatment.
It is important to note that the water is not potable after just primary treatment. Additional steps, including secondary and tertiary treatments, are required before the water can be considered safe for certain uses or released back into the environment.