Which method is commonly used to remove floating debris from wastewater?

Skimming is the method commonly used to remove floating debris from wastewater. This technique involves the physical collection of materials that are buoyant or less dense than water, such as oils, fats, and other floating solids. The skimming process typically utilizes equipment like skimmers or surface scoops that operate at or near the surface of the water, effectively capturing and removing these floating contaminants before they can disrupt further treatment processes.

In contrast, sedimentation is aimed at removing suspended solids by allowing them to settle at the bottom of a tank. Filtration focuses on passing water through a porous medium to remove particles of varying sizes, which is more effective for suspended solids than for floating debris. Flocculation involves the aggregation of fine particles into larger clumps (or flocs) to facilitate removal, and while it can aid in the overall treatment process, it does not specifically target floating materials. Thus, skimming stands out as the most appropriate method for dealing with floating debris in wastewater treatment.