What is the function of a clarifier in wastewater treatment?

The primary function of a clarifier in wastewater treatment is to facilitate the settling of suspended solids from the liquid wastewater. This process involves holding the water in a designated area, allowing heavier particles to settle to the bottom due to gravity. As the solids accumulate, they can be removed or treated further, effectively reducing the turbidity and improving the clarity of the water.

By holding the wastewater for settling, the clarifier plays a crucial role in the overall treatment process, enabling subsequent stages of treatment to work more effectively. This settling process ensures that a cleaner effluent is released from the treatment plant, ultimately protecting the environment and meeting regulatory standards.

In contrast, while measuring water quality, removing solid waste and controlling flow rate are important aspects of wastewater management, they do not describe the core function of a clarifier in the treatment process. The clarifier's main role is concentrated on the physical removal of solids through the settling process.