The activated sludge process is a method used in wastewater treatment to remove organic matter and pollutants. In this process, wastewater is mixed with air and a population of microorganisms, known as activated sludge, which consume the organic materials. This mixture is aerated in a tank, allowing the microorganisms to thrive and break down contaminants. After aeration, the mixture is transferred to a settling tank where the activated sludge settles to the bottom, forming a sludge blanket. The clarified water is then separated from the settled sludge, which can be recycled back into the aeration tank to maintain the microbial population, ensuring efficient treatment of incoming wastewater.