What is the main goal of tertiary treatment?

The primary goal of tertiary treatment in wastewater management is to further polish treated water, ensuring that it meets specific standards for reuse. Tertiary treatment is an advanced step that follows secondary treatment and is designed to enhance the quality of effluent. This stage typically involves processes such as filtration, nutrient removal, and additional disinfection methods to achieve a high level of purification.

This treatment is critical when the treated water is intended for specific reuse applications, such as irrigation, industrial processes, or even potable reuse, where water quality requirements are stringent. By effectively addressing residual pollutants and pathogens, tertiary treatment contributes to water conservation efforts and sustainability by enabling the safe and effective reuse of wastewater.

The other options provided do not align with the main objectives of tertiary treatment. Preparing wastewater for primary treatment is not part of this stage, as tertiary treatment occurs after primary and secondary treatments. Enhancing the removal of pathogens is an aspect of tertiary treatment but is not the sole focus, as it also addresses other water quality parameters. Lastly, although disinfection may involve mixing chemicals, it is a specific process rather than a general goal; the overarching aim remains the polishing of wastewater for reuse.