Grit removal specifically targets which type of solids?

• A. Inorganic, dense particles such as sand and gravel.
• B. Organic matter.
• C. Fine fibers that cause foaming.
• D. Dissolved salts.

Answer: (A)

Grit removal targets heavy, inorganic solids that are coarse and non-biodegradable, such as sand and gravel. These dense particles settle quickly in grit chambers, allowing them to be separated from the wastewater before the biological and clarification stages. By removing this inorganic grit early, equipment like pumps and conveyors experiences less abrasion and clogging, keeping the treatment process running smoothly. Organic matter, fine foams or fibers, and dissolved salts do not fit this category: organic materials are handled by other treatment steps, fibers contributing to foaming aren’t the dense inorganic grit, and dissolved salts stay dissolved and aren’t removed by grit settling.