Which process primarily aids in the removal of large debris from wastewater?

The primary process that aids in the removal of large debris from wastewater is screening. This process involves passing wastewater through physical barriers or screens to catch and separate larger solids such as sticks, leaves, and other debris before the water continues through the treatment process.

Screening is a crucial first step in wastewater treatment because it prevents damage to downstream equipment and systems. By removing large objects early on, it ensures that the following processes, such as sedimentation and biological treatment, can operate more efficiently and effectively.

Sedimentation, while important for settling out smaller solids from the water, does not specifically target large debris and is more about allowing particulates to settle by gravity. Biological treatment focuses on the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, which occurs after larger solids have already been removed. Filtration generally targets finer particles and dissolved substances, but it is not primarily designed for the initial removal of large debris. Thus, screening is the correct and most effective method for removing large debris from wastewater.