California Wastewater Treatment Operator Practice Exam

Which of the following is not associated with an aeration tank?

1. MBBR

2. SBR

3. RBC

4. Diffused Aeration

The correct answer is: RBC

The correct response identifies the rotary biological contactor (RBC) as not typically associated with an aeration tank compared to the other options provided. An aeration tank is primarily used in biological wastewater treatment processes to promote the growth of microorganisms that decompose organic matter. MBBR (moving bed biofilm reactor) and SBR (sequencing batch reactor) directly involve aeration phases to enhance biological treatment efficiency. They both utilize aeration to promote microbial growth and enhance the breakdown of pollutants within the tank. Diffused aeration is also explicitly aimed at introducing air into the water, thereby providing oxygen necessary for aerobic bacteria to thrive and degrade the waste. This method is commonly found in aeration tanks to ensure the optimum environment for biological activity. In contrast, RBCs operate on a different principle. They utilize rotating disks partially submerged in the wastewater, and while they are indeed involved in biological treatment processes, they do not function as a traditional aeration tank. Instead, they rely on the physical movement of these disks to expose microorganisms to both the wastewater and air. Thus, identifying RBC as the choice that does not typically associate with an aeration tank aligns with the operational distinctions among various biological treatment methods.