Which of the following are typically included in effluent quality standards for municipal treatment plants?

Effluent quality standards for municipal treatment plants are primarily designed to ensure that the treated wastewater released into the environment meets specific health and environmental criteria. The correct answer includes parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and pathogenic organisms.

BOD is a vital measurement as it indicates the amount of organic material in wastewater, reflecting how much oxygen will be consumed by microorganisms during decomposition. TSS measures the concentration of suspended solids, which can affect aquatic life and water quality in receiving bodies of water. Nutrient levels are critical because excessive nutrients can lead to eutrophication, which degrades water quality and harms aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the presence of pathogenic organisms must be controlled to protect public health and ecological integrity.

While the other options address some aspects of water quality, they do not encompass the broad set of concerns represented by BOD, TSS, nutrients, and pathogens, which are essential for ensuring the safety and environmental compliance of effluent from municipal treatment plants.