What is the primary purpose of laboratory analysis in wastewater treatment?

The primary purpose of laboratory analysis in wastewater treatment is to assess the quality of water and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This involves analyzing various parameters of the wastewater, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and nutrient levels, among others. By conducting these analyses, facilities can determine if the treated water meets the quality criteria set by environmental regulations before it is discharged into the environment. Meeting these standards is crucial to protecting public health and the environment, making this function of laboratory analysis fundamental to successful wastewater treatment operations.

While identifying chemical reactions, monitoring equipment, and evaluating treatment chemicals are important components of the overall treatment process, they support the larger goal of ensuring that the final effluent is safe and compliant with regulations, which is the core responsibility of laboratory analyses in this context.