Grit should be removed early in the treatment process because:

Grit removal is essential early in the wastewater treatment process primarily because it is abrasive and can cause significant wear and tear on equipment. Wastewater often contains sand, gravel, and similar heavy particles that can damage pumps, mixers, and other mechanical components. By removing grit at the beginning, the treatment facility can prolong the lifespan of its equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure more efficient operation.

The other considerations for grit removal, while relevant in the context of overall treatment efficiency, do not directly address the mechanical aspects and protection of equipment that grit removal provides. For instance, grit does not necessarily break down in biological processes, nor does it specifically inhibit floatables or interfere with chlorination chemicals in the same impactful way that its abrasiveness does in the physical wear of machinery. Therefore, focusing on its abrasive nature underscores why its early removal is crucial in the treatment process.