What is the primary function of a wastewater treatment plant?

The primary function of a wastewater treatment plant is to treat and purify sewage and industrial wastewater. This process is essential for protecting public health and the environment. Wastewater contains harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, organic matter, nutrients, and various pollutants that can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health if discharged untreated into the environment.

The treatment process typically involves several stages, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, which work together to remove harmful substances from the water. After treatment, the purified water can be safely released into rivers, lakes, or the ocean, or it may be reused for irrigation, industrial processes, or even as potable water in some advanced systems.

In contrast, the other options relate to broader environmental concerns but do not encapsulate the core purpose of a wastewater treatment facility. Monitoring environmental changes is significant for understanding ecosystem dynamics, and rehabilitating natural habitats focuses on restoring ecosystems, while producing renewable energy is an important aspect of sustainability, but these functions do not directly address the primary role of managing and treating wastewater.