Final answer:
Particulate matter would likely be eliminated by anything causing membrane clog without excessive pretreatment in a wastewater treatment system. Filtration reduces organic matter, turbidity, and biological growth, potentially preventing clogs in the process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anything that would cause membrane clog without excessive pretreatment would likely eliminate particulate matter. In wastewater treatment, filtration is a crucial step used to reduce organic matter in the water. This process involves passing water through various substances like sand and rocks, effectively removing most bacteria, reducing turbidity and color, eliminating odors, reducing iron content, and filtering out other solids that may remain in the water. A filtration system may also include a carbon filter to remove organic particles. However, issues such as biological growth, including algae and bacterial films, can clog filtration systems without adequate pretreatment. Furthermore, chemical dosing is used to enhance the treatment process and target specific contaminants, but without appropriate dosing and careful management, it too can contribute to membrane fouling.