Which characteristic indicates high strength wastewater?

High strength wastewater is typically characterized by elevated levels of certain constituents that indicate a significant potential for pollution. One of the main indicators of such wastewater is Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), which measures the amount of oxygen that bacteria will consume while decomposing organic material in water. A BOD value greater than 150 mg/l is widely accepted in the industry as indicative of high strength wastewater, denoting a higher concentration of biodegradable organic material.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) above 100 mg/l also signifies high strength wastewater because it reflects the presence of particulate matter that contributes to a greater demand for oxygen and can affect treatment processes. Meanwhile, Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) greater than 10 mg/l likewise indicates a potential for high strength characteristics due to the presence of these materials, which can create additional challenges for wastewater treatment systems.

Considering these factors, the characteristic that best signifies high strength wastewater is identified collectively as a combination of BOD, TSS, and FOG levels, all of which are commonly found at elevated concentrations in high strength wastewater. Therefore, the most comprehensive choice indicating high strength wastewater is that all of these factors contribute collectively to defining such wastewater.