Basic Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is the role of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in wastewater treatment?

1. Regulates flow in the system

2. Maintains necessary bacteria population

3. Aids in sedimentation processes

4. Promotes organic carbon utilization

The correct answer is: Maintains necessary bacteria population

Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) play a critical role in wastewater treatment primarily by maintaining the necessary population of bacteria that are vital for the biological treatment processes. In activated sludge systems, the suspended solids consist of a combination of water, bacteria, and other microorganisms that actively participate in breaking down organic matter in the wastewater. A high concentration of MLSS indicates a robust microbial environment which is essential for efficient nutrient removal and degradation of pollutants. The presence of MLSS ensures that there is an adequate amount of bacteria to efficiently consume the available organic materials. This biological activity leads to the treatment of wastewater, converting pollutants into microbial biomass that can be removed from the system either through sedimentation or other methods. While MLSS can influence other aspects of the treatment process, such as sedimentation and organic carbon utilization, its most crucial role is ensuring the optimal bacteria population is maintained for effective wastewater treatment. This underlying function is fundamental to achieving the overall goals of the treatment process, such as reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and nutrient levels in the effluent.