Which type of wastewater treatment focuses primarily on physical processes?

Primary wastewater treatment focuses primarily on physical processes. This stage of treatment is designed to remove large solids and sediment from the wastewater primarily through physical methods such as screening and sedimentation. During this phase, wastewater is typically passed through screens to eliminate larger debris, such as sticks and plastic, before entering sedimentation tanks where heavier particles settle to the bottom.

The goal of primary treatment is to reduce the total suspended solids and the organic load in the wastewater before it moves on to secondary treatment, which is more focused on biological processes. Therefore, the primary treatment serves as an essential first step in the overall wastewater treatment process, effectively preparing the water for further treatment steps while addressing initial physical concerns.