Which of the following wastewater characteristics can be monitored continuously?

Monitoring wastewater characteristics is essential for ensuring that treatment processes function correctly and that effluent quality meets regulatory standards. pH is a key parameter that can and is often monitored continuously in wastewater treatment facilities.

Continuous pH monitoring is important because it provides real-time data about the acidity or basicity of the wastewater. This data can help operators to quickly identify changes in the process that could affect treatment efficiency, such as the addition of chemicals or variations in influent quality. pH affects many chemical and biological processes in wastewater treatment, making continuous monitoring essential for optimal performance.

While temperature can also be monitored continuously, it does not directly influence the treatment processes to the same extent as pH. Suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand are typically measured using sampling and laboratory analysis methods rather than continuous monitoring, as they require specific analytical procedures that cannot be performed in real-time within the treatment process.