The activated sludge process is a biological wastewater treatment process that uses microorganisms to degrade and remove organic matter and nutrients from wastewater. Wastewater enters an aeration tank where oxygen is injected to promote bacterial growth on dissolved organic matter and the oxidation of ammonia into nitrates. The activated sludge and treated water are then separated in a clarifier, with the sludge recycled to the aeration tank to treat more wastewater, while the effluent undergoes further treatment before discharge.