What process controls the decomposition of certain sludges?

The process that controls the decomposition of certain sludges is pre-chlorination. Pre-chlorination involves the addition of chlorine to the wastewater before biological treatment processes. This step is crucial because it helps to reduce the concentration of pathogens and organic matter, thus facilitating the breakdown of sludge during subsequent treatment processes.

By using chlorine at this stage, the microbial population can be effectively managed, which can enhance the overall efficiency of the treatment process. This means that the biological activity responsible for breaking down sludges can occur more effectively, leading to better treatment outcomes.

In the context of wastewater treatment, pre-chlorination serves as a preventative measure to control the growth of unwanted organisms that may interfere with the decomposition of sludge. Other methods listed, such as post-chlorination, chemical detoxification, and filtration, address different aspects of wastewater treatment and may not directly control sludge decomposition in the same way pre-chlorination does.