Where does the effluent from the aerator go?

The effluent from the aerator typically flows to the secondary clarifier. In wastewater treatment processes, the aerator is part of the secondary treatment phase, where biological treatment occurs to break down organic matter. During this process, microorganisms consume the organic material in the wastewater, resulting in a mixture of treated water and suspended solids.

Once the aeration process is complete, the treated effluent, now rich in beneficial microbial activity, proceeds to the secondary clarifier. This component of the treatment system allows for the settling of the biomass (or activated sludge) from the treated effluent. The gravity settling process enables the separation of the clear effluent from the retained solids. The clarified water can then be further treated or discharged, while some of the solids can be recycled back to the aeration tank to maintain microbial populations.

The other options do not align with where the effluent directly goes after aeration. The primary clarifier is part of the initial treatment phase, solids handling refers to the management of sludge and biosolids, and the digester is involved in the stabilization of solids.