During secondary treatment, which of the following is a primary goal?

Secondary treatment in wastewater treatment is primarily focused on targeting the biological processes that break down organic matter. The goal during this stage is to significantly reduce the concentration of organic pollutants, which is achieved through the process of biological oxidation. This involves using microorganisms to metabolize the organic materials present in the wastewater, ultimately converting them into carbon dioxide, water, and more biomass.

This biological activity is essential because it enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment process by breaking down complex organic molecules that cannot be removed through simple physical or chemical means. As a result, the composition of the treated water is improved, making it safer and more suitable for discharge into the environment or for further processing.

While other aspects, such as the removal of suspended solids or the prevention of nutrient overload, are also important in the overall wastewater treatment process, the primary emphasis during secondary treatment is indeed on the biological oxidation of organic compounds. This is what sets secondary treatment apart from primary treatment, which predominantly involves physical separation methods, and tertiary treatment, which may focus more on nutrient removal or advanced filtration processes.