GWWI WEF Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals Practice Test 2025 - Free Wastewater Treatment Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer highlights Aluminum Chloride, an important chemical that is more commonly utilized in industrial wastewater treatment than in domestic applications. In industrial processes, Aluminum Chloride serves as a coagulant, effectively treating water by removing suspended solids and other impurities that are prevalent in industrial effluents. Its effectiveness in promoting the aggregation of fine particles makes it particularly valuable in industries that produce high concentrations of solids or emulsified materials, such as food processing, metal finishing, and paper production.

While a few other chemicals do have widespread uses, they may be more prevalent in either a domestic setting or across a variety of processes. Iron Chlorides, for example, are also notable coagulants but are often more associated with municipal wastewater treatment processes. Polymeric Aluminum Chloride, similarly, can be found in both industrial and domestic scenarios, but its application is often more tailored toward specific treatment needs. Lastly, Sodium Hydroxide is generally employed in both contexts primarily for pH adjustment rather than as a core treatment agent specifically distinguishing it from the primary coagulation focus of Aluminum Chloride in industrial settings. Thus, Aluminum Chloride stands out for its specific application frequency regarding industrial wastewater treatment.