What is the primary purpose of the influent wastewater screening process?

The primary purpose of the influent wastewater screening process is to remove large solids and debris from incoming wastewater. This step is crucial in the treatment process because it protects downstream equipment, such as pumps and treatment tanks, from potential damage or blockage caused by larger materials. By ensuring that large solids, such as sticks, leaves, rags, and other debris, are removed at the beginning of the treatment process, the facility can operate more efficiently and effectively. Proper screening also helps to improve the quality of the wastewater before it undergoes further treatment processes, ensuring that smaller solids and contaminants can be adequately addressed in subsequent stages.

The other options do not align with the primary function of influent screening. Neutralization of acidic wastewater involves chemical treatments rather than physical screening. Measuring flow rates is typically done through flow meters and is not directly related to the screening process. Adding nutrients to wastewater occurs in specific treatment stages designed for biological processes and is not a function of screening.