California Wastewater Treatment Operator Practice Exam 2025 - Free Wastewater Treatment Operator Practice Questions and Study Guide

Warmer temperatures typically increase the activity of microorganisms within the wastewater treatment process, which can improve the breakdown of organic materials. This enhanced microbial activity can lead to more rapid stabilization of solids, resulting in fluffier, less dense sludge that can settle more effectively in a clarifier. Additionally, the reduction in viscosity at higher temperatures allows for improvements in the movement of solids, facilitating a more efficient settling process. Therefore, the settling rate of solids in a clarifier tends to increase as temperatures rise, making the selection of an increase in the settling rate a reasonable conclusion.

While other options might suggest alternate outcomes based on different contexts—like colder temperatures leading to denser sludge—the primary understanding in this case focuses on how warmer conditions can promote better settling efficiencies in a wastewater treatment setting.