What is the function of a clarifier in a wastewater treatment process?

The function of a clarifier in a wastewater treatment process is to separate suspended solids from the treated liquid. In this stage of treatment, the wastewater enters the clarifier where gravity is used to settle the solids down to the bottom, creating a sludge layer. This process allows for the clarification of the liquid above, which contains fewer suspended solids and is more suitable for further treatment or discharge. By efficiently removing contaminants, the clarifier plays a crucial role in improving the overall quality of the effluent, making it essential in the treatment cycle.

The other functions mentioned are important in the context of wastewater treatment but are not performed by the clarifier. For instance, oxygenation is typically handled by aerators in a biological treatment phase, while pH neutralization usually occurs through chemical dosing in a separate stage. Filtering residual chemicals requires different mechanisms and is typically part of advanced treatment processes, not the primary function of a clarifier.