Bacteria which require free oxygen are categorized as anaerobic. Is this statement true or false?

The statement is false. Bacteria that require free oxygen for their metabolic processes are categorized as aerobic bacteria, not anaerobic. Aerobic bacteria utilize oxygen to survive and thrive, engaging in respiration that involves oxygen in the breakdown of organic compounds.

In contrast, anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen and may even find oxygen harmful. They can grow in environments devoid of oxygen by utilizing other substances for respiration or fermentation.

Understanding the difference between these two classifications is essential in wastewater treatment since the presence or absence of oxygen in treatment processes greatly influences the types of bacteria that can thrive in various stages of treatment.