Describe a step feed influent scheme.

• A. Splits the influent into multiple treatment trains or tanks
• B. Treats influent sequentially in one tank
• C. Redirects flow to the sludge line
• D. Increases DO

Answer: (A)

Step feed means splitting the incoming wastewater so it is fed to multiple treatment basins or trains rather than into a single tank. By distributing the flow across several reactors, you balance hydraulic and organic load, reduce peak loading, and promote more stable mixing and aeration in each tank. This staged feeding helps create better control of biological processes (like nitrification and overall treatment performance) because different basins can operate at slightly different loads and conditions, improving system stability.

The other ideas don’t describe feeding into multiple tanks: feeding sequentially in one tank keeps everything in one place, redirecting flow to the sludge line changes where solids go rather than how the influent is distributed, and simply increasing dissolved oxygen is a outcome of how aeration is managed, not a description of distributing influent across multiple basins.