Before You Begin
Question #46563
The Question
During the biological treatment of sewage, an influx of toxic chemical effluent completely inhibits the formation of 'flocs' in the aeration tank. Which of the following accurately describes the downstream consequence of this inhibition on the overall sewage treatment process?
Options
- A.
The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the effluent will rapidly decrease, but biogas production will halt due to the direct toxicity of the chemicals on methanogens.
- B.
The formation of activated sludge will fail, depriving the anaerobic sludge digester of the bacterial and fungal biomass required as a substrate for methanogens, thereby halting biogas production.
- C.
Methanogens in the anaerobic sludge digester will directly consume the undigested organic matter from the primary effluent, maintaining normal biogas yields.
- D.
Biogas production will continue, but the composition will shift to produce only hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, as methanogenesis strictly requires aerobic fungal enzymes.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Methanogens|Sewage_Treatment|Flocs_Formation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that methanogens produce biogas from 'organic waste' but fail to realize that in a Sewage Treatment Plant, the specific substrate for methanogens in the anaerobic digester is the microbial biomass (bacteria and fungi) of the activated sludge, not the raw dissolved organic matter of the primary effluent.
This tests the sequential dependency of anaerobic digestion on successful aerobic flocculation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Household Product Fermentation Specificity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |