Question:medium

Sloughing in trickling filters usually results in

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Sloughing in trickling filters: \[ \boxed{ \text{Biofilm detaches} \rightarrow \text{Higher suspended solids in effluent} } \] Secondary clarifiers are provided to remove this detached biomass.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
  • Reduced suspended solids in effluent
  • Increased suspended solids load to the secondary clarifier
  • Improved BOD removal
  • Reduced hydraulic loading
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall what a trickling filter does.
A biofilm of microorganisms grows on the filter media and breaks down organic matter as wastewater trickles over it.
Step 2: Understand sloughing.
Over time the biofilm grows thick, and eventually chunks of it detach from the media, a process called sloughing.
Step 3: Follow where the detached biomass goes.
This sloughed material leaves with the filter effluent and heads to the secondary clarifier, adding to the suspended solids load it must handle.
\[ \boxed{\text{Increased suspended solids load to the secondary clarifier}} \]
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