What Is the Advantage of Removing Phosphates and Nitrates from Wastewater

question 11

Multiple Choice

What is the advantage of removing phosphates and nitrates from wastewater?

• A) Nitrates and phosphates can support the growth of algae and cyanobacteria, and these photosynthetic organisms will then produce organic compounds, thereby increasing the BOD of the water.
• B) Nitrates and phosphates can support the growth of fish, which then produce increased amount of wastes, thereby increasing the BOD of the water.
• C) Nitrates and phosphates inhibit the growth of bacteria that normally purify the water; without them, the BOD of the water rapidly increases.
• D) Nitrates are usually removed by denitrifying bacteria that use nitrate during anaerobic respiration to form N₂, a gas that is toxic and detrimental to other organisms. Removing nitrates protects these organsisms.
• E) Phosphates are an integral part of prokaryote cytoplasmic membranes. If there are too many phosphates in the water, microbial growth is stimulated, leading to the risk of contamination.

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