How can excessive fats, oils, and grease (FOG) impact wastewater treatment?

Excessive fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can significantly impact wastewater treatment by causing blockages in the collection systems and treatment facilities. When these substances accumulate, they can create stubborn clogs in pipes, leading to reduced flow rates and potential overflows. Additionally, FOG can coat biological treatment structures, inhibiting the effectiveness of microorganisms that are essential for breaking down organic matter. This disruption in biological processes can hinder the overall treatment efficiency, making it more challenging to achieve compliance with water quality standards.

The other options do not accurately reflect the impact of FOG in wastewater treatment. For instance, while it might seem that FOG could enhance sedimentation, in reality, it often leads to issues that impair sedimentation instead. Similarly, FOG does not improve biological processes; rather, it harms them by interfering with the balance necessary for effective waste decomposition. Lastly, the presence of FOG does not reduce the need for aeration; in fact, an increased aeration requirement may arise due to the negative impact on microbial activity. Thus, the correct understanding lies in recognizing that FOG contributes to operational challenges within wastewater treatment systems.