Which type of pollutants are typically removed through physical treatment methods?

Physical treatment methods in wastewater management are primarily designed to remove larger particles and solids from the water. This process typically includes techniques like screening, sedimentation, and flotation, which target materials that can be easily separated based on size and density.

The presence of large solids and sediments, such as leaves, branches, and grit, can hinder the efficiency of biological and chemical processes that follow. Therefore, effective physical treatment ensures that these materials are removed upfront, protecting subsequent treatment stages and enhancing overall system performance.

When it comes to other types of pollutants, such as heavy metals, pathogens, or organic compounds, different treatment methods are more effective. Heavy metals require advanced chemical treatment or adsorption processes. Pathogens are generally targeted through disinfection processes, while organic compounds typically need biological treatment methods to break them down. Thus, large solids and sediments are the specific focus of physical treatment methods in wastewater management.