Which of the following is a key benefit of using a lead-lag configuration in wastewater treatment?

Using a lead-lag configuration in wastewater treatment significantly enhances redundancy and reliability. This configuration typically involves two or more parallel treatment units where one unit operates as the lead, managing the primary load, while the lag unit is on standby. If the lead unit fails or requires maintenance, the lag unit can instantly take over the process, ensuring continuous operation. This feature is crucial for maintaining treatment efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards, as it helps to avoid downtime that could lead to untreated wastewater being discharged into the environment.

In addition to immediate operational benefits, this approach allows for better management of peak loads and provides flexibility in operations. The ability to switch between units as necessary can lead to optimized performance under varying conditions, which is essential in wastewater treatment where flow rates and composition can change rapidly.

While other options, such as energy consumption or aesthetic appeal, may seem beneficial, they do not directly connect to the primary purpose and advantage of a lead-lag configuration like redundancy and reliability does. The focus on ensuring continuous and dependable operation underscores the importance of this setup in wastewater treatment processes.