Wastewater Treatment Exam Practice 2026 – Complete Test Guide Volume 1

Indole is an organic compound that is primarily associated with a fecal odor. This is due to its presence in the digestive tract and its involvement in microbiological processes in anaerobic environments. Indole is produced during the breakdown of tryptophan, an amino acid found in various protein-rich foods.

When indole is released in wastewater, it contributes to the distinct and often unpleasant smell typically associated with fecal matter. Understanding the characteristics of compounds like indole is essential in wastewater treatment for identifying sources of odor and managing treatment processes more effectively. The correct association with a fecal odor highlights important aspects of the biochemical processes occurring in both environmental and treatment contexts.