Why is it important to maintain a proper balance of microorganisms in activated sludge systems?

Maintaining a proper balance of microorganisms in activated sludge systems is crucial for several reasons, primarily because it facilitates efficient organic matter degradation and nutrient removal. Activated sludge processes rely on the presence of a diverse and adequately balanced microbial community that can effectively break down organic pollutants and convert nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into forms that can be removed from the wastewater.

When the microbial population is balanced, it ensures that there are enough organisms to handle the organic load being processed, resulting in optimal treatment performance. This balance helps to avoid issues like sludge bulking or foaming, which can impair the settling characteristics of the sludge and lead to inadequate treatment. Furthermore, a well-balanced microorganism population is less prone to pathogens and can mitigate the formation of unpleasant odors, but these are secondary benefits compared to the primary goal of effective organic matter degradation and nutrient removal.

Other options focus on less direct aspects of wastewater treatment. For instance, while preventing odors is important, it does not encompass the core function of microbial balance in the treatment process. Similarly, ensuring that water is not recycled is not a primary function of microbial balance; rather, efficient treatment supports the possibility of water recycling. Promoting the growth of algae, while beneficial in certain contexts, is not directly related to the function of