Treatment processes for wastewater sludges (biosolids) include all of the following EXCEPT ____________?

The treatment processes for wastewater sludges, also known as biosolids, typically include a variety of methods aimed at reducing their volume, making them safe for handling, and preparing them for beneficial reuse or disposal. Thickening, incineration, and composting are all processes that help achieve these goals.

Thickening is a preliminary step that reduces the volume of sludge by removing a portion of the water content. This makes subsequent processes more efficient by concentrating the solids.

Incineration is a thermal treatment that reduces the volume of sludge by burning it, which can also help to eliminate pathogens and reduce odor. It transforms the biosolids into ash, which can be easier to manage and can sometimes be used as a material in construction or other applications.

Composting is an aerobic biological process that stabilizes biosolids, reduces pathogens, and produces a material that can be used as a soil amendment, enhancing soil quality.

Disinfection, while a critical aspect of wastewater treatment, focuses on reducing pathogens to make effluent safe for discharge or reuse. In the context of biosolids treatment, it is not typically classified as a direct treatment for the sludges themselves but rather as an additional step applied post-treatment before final disposal or use.