Which component of wastewater treatment focuses on removing phosphorus?

The component of wastewater treatment that specifically focuses on removing phosphorus is advanced nutrient removal systems. These systems are designed to target excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to problems like algal blooms in water bodies if released into the environment without adequate treatment.

Advanced nutrient removal systems employ various processes, such as enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) or chemical precipitation, to effectively reduce phosphorus concentrations in the effluent. By promoting conditions that favor phosphorus-accumulating organisms, these systems can significantly reduce the amount of phosphorus released during the treatment process.

In contrast, other options such as aeration tanks, clarifiers, and activated sludge systems play important roles in the treatment process but do not specifically focus on phosphorus removal. Aeration tanks primarily provide oxygen for aerobic bacteria, which helps in the breakdown of organic material. Clarifiers are used to settle solid particles out of the wastewater, while activated sludge systems rely on a mix of microorganisms to digest organic matter. Although these components contribute to overall treatment, they do not offer the specialized removal processes necessary to target phosphorus effectively.