Environmental Engineering Quiz

Study Notes

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) mimic hormones in the endocrine system and disrupt their natural function.
EDCs can lead to biological effects in animals, potentially stimulating hormone overproduction or underproduction.
Prolonged low-level exposure to EDCs in humans raises health concerns.

DDT: A pesticide linked to reproductive and developmental issues.
Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastic bottles and can linings, associated with hormonal disruptions.
Estrogenic substances: Includes birth control pills impacting aquatic ecosystems.
Phthalates: Present in toys and air fresheners, known to disrupt endocrine functions.
Fire retardants: Endocrine-disrupting properties raise health concerns.

DBPs are toxic compounds formed when disinfectants react with organic materials in water.
They are suspected carcinogens that may affect reproductive health.
Common traditional DBPs: trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids.
Emerging DBPs include nitrogenous compounds, such as nitrosamines.

Microplastics constitute over 70% of plastic pollution in waterways.
Their presence poses risks to aquatic life and human health through consumption and environmental exposure.

Pollutants in water have been documented for over 50 years; comprehensive searches reveal persistent contaminants.
No water treatment method is flawless; pollutant reduction is an ongoing challenge in environmental engineering.
Anticipated global challenges over the next 50 years include energy, water security, food supply, environmental degradation, poverty, terrorism, diseases, education, democracy, and population growth.

Environmental engineering focuses on solving sanitation problems, ensuring safe public water supplies, and proper waste management.
It integrates science and engineering principles to enhance the natural environment and remediate pollution.

Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of environmental engineering.
Understand environmental standards, regulations, and measurements.
Prepare for advanced topics in drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater treatment.

Parameters to monitor include pH, alkalinity, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids, hardness, and temperature.
Biological and chemical metrics: Pathogens, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and emerging contaminants.

Public Water Supply: Monitored for turbidity, total dissolved solids, inorganic and organic compounds, and microbes.
Recreation: Assessed for turbidity, bacteria, and toxic substances.
Aquatic Life: Monitored for dissolved oxygen and chlorinated organic compounds.
Industrial Supply: Quality checks focus on suspended and dissolved particles.
Agriculture: Monitored for sodium levels and total dissolved solids.
Shellfish Harvesting: Ensured safe by monitoring for dissolved oxygen and bacteria levels.