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Question #47697
The Question
During the secondary treatment of sewage, mechanical aerators continuously agitate the effluent to support the formation of 'flocs'. If a sudden, massive influx of high-BOD organic waste overwhelms the aeration capacity of the tank, which of the following ecological and functional shifts is most likely to occur?
Options
- A.
The flocs will adapt by switching to anaerobic respiration, thereby accelerating BOD reduction and initiating biogas production in the aeration tank.
- B.
The aerobic microbial community will collapse due to rapid oxygen depletion, leading to a premature dominance of anaerobic methanogens and a failure in secondary treatment.
- C.
The fungal filaments will detach from the bacteria to survive the anaerobic conditions, maintaining the structural integrity of the activated sludge.
- D.
The primary treatment efficiency will immediately collapse because the anaerobic shift prevents the physical sedimentation of grit and primary sludge.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Cyclosporin A Immunomodulation|Bioactive Molecule Origin|Baculovirus Host Specificity
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Location and Oxygen-dependence of specific microbial communities.
Students often memorize that sewage treatment involves both aerobic flocs and anaerobic methanogens but fail to compartmentalize them (Aeration tank vs.
Anaerobic sludge digester).
The trap tests the 'If/Then' consequence of altering the abiotic conditions (oxygen levels) in a specific tank, forcing an ecological succession that collapses the intended textbook cycle.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Cyclosporin A Immunomodulation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |