Grit is removed early in the treatment process because

• A. it damages plant equipment and takes up space needed for treating organic matter
• B. it dissolves quickly and reduces odor
• C. it increases color of effluent
• D. it enhances nitrification

Answer: (A)

Grit is removed early because abrasive, inorganic particles can wear out pumps, screens, and other plant equipment, leading to more maintenance and potential outages. These heavy solids also take up valuable space in initial treatment stages, reducing the capacity available for handling and breaking down organic matter later in the process. Since grit is not dissolved, it won’t help reduce odor, and it doesn’t directly affect color or nitrification—nitrification is a biological process in the treatment steps that follows headworks, not something improved by removing grit.