A trickling filter allows the flow to slowly trickle through a filtration bed in order to remove large particulates by screening them. T/F?

A trickling filter allows the flow to slowly trickle through a filtration bed in order to remove large particulates by screening them. T/F?

• A. True
• B. Primarily mechanical screening
• C. No removal
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Trickling filters are a biological treatment unit, not a screening device. Wastewater is distributed over a bed of media, and a biofilm on that media oxidizes organic matter as the water trickles through. The key mechanism is biological activity with oxygen supplied from the air, not the removal of large particulates by screening. Large solids are typically removed earlier in the treatment process (before or separate from the trickling filter) to prevent clogging and protect the biofilm. Because the main purpose of a trickling filter is biological treatment, not screening, the statement is false.

Trickling filters are a biological treatment unit, not a screening device. Wastewater is distributed over a bed of media, and a biofilm on that media oxidizes organic matter as the water trickles through. The key mechanism is biological activity with oxygen supplied from the air, not the removal of large particulates by screening. Large solids are typically removed earlier in the treatment process (before or separate from the trickling filter) to prevent clogging and protect the biofilm. Because the main purpose of a trickling filter is biological treatment, not screening, the statement is false.