A process that removes particulate waste from aquarium water is called?

A process that removes particulate waste from aquarium water is called?

• A. Mechanical filter
• B. Chemical filter
• C. Biological filter
• D. Dissolved oxygen

Answer: (A)

Mechanical filtration removes particulate waste by physically trapping solids as water moves through filter media like sponges, pads, or cartridges. This traps debris such as uneaten food, feces, and other particles, keeping the water clearer. It’s different from chemical filtration, which targets dissolved substances through adsorption or chemical reactions (for example, activated carbon). It’s also different from biological filtration, which relies on beneficial bacteria to break down ammonia and nitrite. Dissolved oxygen is about the amount of oxygen gas in the water and isn’t a filtration process. So, the best term for removing particulate waste is mechanical filtration.

Mechanical filtration removes particulate waste by physically trapping solids as water moves through filter media like sponges, pads, or cartridges. This traps debris such as uneaten food, feces, and other particles, keeping the water clearer. It’s different from chemical filtration, which targets dissolved substances through adsorption or chemical reactions (for example, activated carbon). It’s also different from biological filtration, which relies on beneficial bacteria to break down ammonia and nitrite. Dissolved oxygen is about the amount of oxygen gas in the water and isn’t a filtration process. So, the best term for removing particulate waste is mechanical filtration.