Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Why are wastewater treatment plants not suitable for removing pesticides?

1. They are designed for solid waste only

2. Can result in damage to plants and pollution

3. They filter only organic materials

4. They cannot process liquid chemicals

The correct answer is: Can result in damage to plants and pollution

The option that highlights the unsuitability of wastewater treatment plants for removing pesticides is correct because pesticides can adversely affect the biological processes used in these facilities, damaging microbial communities that are essential for breaking down organic materials. Pesticides are often designed to persist in the environment to control pests, so they can remain intact even in treatment processes. This persistence can lead not only to ineffective removal of these harmful chemicals but also contaminate the resulting effluent and sludge, which is counterproductive to the plants’ objectives of wastewater purification. The other options do not accurately capture the complexities of pesticide removal. Wastewater treatment plants are not solely designed for solid waste; they handle both solids and liquids. They are capable of processing a wide range of organic materials, not just organic compounds. Additionally, while they deal primarily with liquid waste, they are equipped to manage a variety of contaminants, though their efficacy in treating specific substances like pesticides is limited. This particular focus on the impact that pesticides have on the treatment process and the environment makes the chosen answer the most accurate representation of the issue.