Human disease from aerosols of wastewater is mainly related to which process?

Human disease from aerosols of wastewater can arise from any process that involves the aerosolization of wastewater, as this can lead to exposure to pathogens present in the liquid.

In the activated sludge process, highly aerated conditions can generate aerosols, which may carry bacteria and viruses from the wastewater. Similarly, the trickling filter process involves the treatment of wastewater over a bed of material, which can also produce aerosols, especially during periods of high flow or agitation.

The spray irrigation process directly involves applying treated or partially treated wastewater to the land surface, where the spray can create aerosols that may disperse pathogens into the air, posing a health risk to nearby individuals.

Given that each of these processes can potentially lead to the production of aerosols that may contain pathogens, the possibility of human disease from such aerosols is related to all the mentioned processes. This holistic understanding emphasizes the importance of proper management and safety measures in wastewater treatment operations to mitigate any health risks associated with aerosol exposure.