Question

What are 'flocs' in the context of biological wastewater treatment?

Options

• Dense layers of anaerobic methanogens floating on water

• Colloidal precipitates formed by heavy metal ions

• Aggregations of viral capsids bound to soil particles

• Masses of bacteria associated with fungal filaments forming mesh-like structures

Answer 1

Flocs are masses of aerobic bacteria closely associated with fungal filaments that form mesh-like networks in aeration tanks during secondary treatment. They actively consume the organic matter present in sewage effluent.