Question

which of the following steps is required before bacteria can break down organic material in wastewater? disinfection purifies water before it is released. filtration removes chlorine and salt from the water. primary clarifiers separate solids from greases, fats, and oils. water is placed in an aeration basin to increase oxygen

Explanation:

To determine the step required before bacteria break down organic material in wastewater, we analyze each option:

• Disinfection (purifying water before release) occurs after bacterial breakdown, so it's not before.
• Filtration removing chlorine and salt is not a typical pre - bacterial breakdown step in wastewater treatment for organic material breakdown.
• Primary clarifiers separate solids, greases, fats, and oils. But this is a primary treatment step, and bacterial breakdown of organic matter (usually in secondary treatment) requires oxygen - rich conditions.
• Bacteria that break down organic material (like aerobic bacteria) need oxygen. Placing water in an aeration basin to increase oxygen provides the necessary environment for these bacteria to function, so this step is required before bacterial breakdown of organic material.

Answer:

Water is placed in an aeration basin to increase oxygen