Frothing in sewage treatment is most frequently attributed to which factor?

Frothing in sewage treatment processes is commonly caused by the presence of detergent compounds in the sewage. Detergents can create a frothy layer during aeration due to their surfactant properties, which lower the surface tension of water. This enables the formation of stable bubbles that rise to the surface and create foam or froth. The presence of these compounds can disrupt the biological treatment processes, affect the operational efficiency of treatment facilities, and may require additional measures to control the froth, such as chemical additives or operational adjustments.

While other factors such as short-circuiting in aeration tanks or septic sewage might contribute to operational difficulties, they do not specifically lead to the frothing phenomenon as directly as detergent compounds do. High concentrations of fungus are also not a typical cause of frothing, as their growth can be controlled through proper management of the sewage treatment process. Thus, the role of detergent compounds stands out as the primary contributor to frothing in sewage treatment systems.