What is the primary risk associated with high pH wastewater?

High pH wastewater poses a significant risk primarily due to its corrosive nature. When pH levels exceed the neutral range (7), such as in alkaline conditions, the wastewater can have a detrimental effect on materials commonly found in wastewater treatment facilities, including metals, concrete, and various equipment. This corrosive damage can lead to infrastructure failures, leaks, or even accidents, compromising the safety and efficiency of treatment processes.

While high pH can also contribute to other risks like chemical burns due to its basicity, the predominant concern in wastewater management is the potential corrosion of system components. This emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring and controlling the pH levels in wastewater to prevent such damaging outcomes and ensure the longevity of treatment facilities.