Question

43 which of the following statements correctly describes the steps in municipal wastewater treatment? multiple choice soil acts as a natural filter to remove particles and sequester pollutants while plants and microbes absorb organic materials and nutrients. filter feeding organisms, such as sponges and shellfish, remove particles and clean the water before it is discharged into the surrounding environment. solids are removed via filtration and settlement tanks then microbes break down organic material followed by disinfection and removal of nutrients. large tanks retain solids while the remaining water and organic material seep into surrounding fields that breakdown and absorb the organic material.

Explanation:

Municipal wastewater treatment typically involves physical (removing solids via filtration and settlement), biological (microbes breaking down organic matter), and chemical (disinfection) processes. The first option describes a natural - based system which is not the standard municipal treatment. The second option with filter - feeding organisms is more relevant to natural water purification in some ecosystems rather than municipal treatment. The fourth option is an oversimplified and incorrect description. The third option correctly outlines the general steps of solid removal, microbial breakdown of organics, and then disinfection and nutrient removal (which can be part of advanced treatment).

Answer:

Solids are removed via filtration and settlement tanks then microbes break down organic material followed by disinfection and removal of nutrients.