Which of the following contaminants does wastewater treatment primarily aim to address?

Wastewater treatment systems are designed to address a variety of contaminants that pose risks to human health and the environment. The primary goal is to remove or reduce these contaminants to safe levels before the treated water is released back into the environment or reused.

Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are commonly found in wastewater and can lead to issues like eutrophication in receiving waters, which depletes oxygen levels and harms aquatic life. Heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in the food chain and pose serious health risks. Pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can spread diseases through contaminated water.

By aiming to address all of these contaminants, wastewater treatment processes ensure comprehensive protection for both public health and the ecosystem. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the multi-faceted approach of wastewater treatment in mitigating various environmental hazards.