Dive into the 2025 NY Wastewater Exam – Flush Away the Competition with Confidence!

Volatile solids are a common indicator of organic pollution in wastewater because they represent the amount of organic material present in the water. These solids consist of organic compounds that can be broken down by microorganisms during biological treatment processes. When wastewater contains a high concentration of volatile solids, it suggests the presence of a significant amount of biodegradable organic matter, which can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the receiving water bodies if not properly managed.

Monitoring volatile solids helps wastewater treatment facilities assess the organic loading in their systems and adjust treatment processes accordingly to ensure effective removal of pollutants. This includes evaluating the efficiency of biological treatment stages, where these organic materials would be decomposed by bacteria, thus indicating potential impacts on the overall health of aquatic ecosystems if left untreated.