What is the function of a clarifier in wastewater treatment?

The function of a clarifier in wastewater treatment is primarily to remove solids from a liquid. Clarifiers are essential components of many wastewater treatment processes, where they facilitate the sedimentation of suspended solids. During this process, wastewater flows into the clarifier, allowing heavier solids to settle to the bottom due to gravity, forming sludge. Meanwhile, the cleared liquid, or supernatant, is collected from the top and can proceed to further treatment processes or be released into the environment, depending on the treatment system.

This separation of solids is crucial because it helps improve water quality and prepares the effluent for additional treatment stages, such as filtration or biological processes. In contrast, the other functions listed, such as aeration, disinfection, or mixing, involve different equipment and methods used in wastewater treatment but do not pertain to the primary role of a clarifier.