Environmental Engineering Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of humanity's top ten problems over the next 50 years?

Water

Poverty

Space Exploration (correct)

Terrorism and War

Environmental engineering only focuses on the treatment of wastewater.

False

Which of the following substances is considered an endocrine disruptor?

Sodium

Chlorine

Carbon Dioxide

Bisphenol A (BPA) (correct)

Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) are formed when disinfectants react with organics in water.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of environmental engineering?

To improve the natural environment and provide healthy water, air, and land. Signup and view all the answers

The integration of science and engineering principles to improve the natural environment is known as __________.

Environmental Engineering Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of traditional Disinfection By-Product (DBP).

Trihalomethanes Signup and view all the answers

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals may lead to underproduction of _______.

hormones Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts to their definitions:

Drinking Water Standards = Regulations ensuring water quality for human consumption Wastewater Treatment = Process of converting wastewater into treated water for discharge or reuse Pollution Remediation = Techniques used to clean up contaminated land or water Stormwater Management = Strategies to manage runoff water from rain or melting snow Signup and view all the answers

Match the following pollutants with their potential effects:

DDT = Biological effects in animals BPA = Plastic pollution in water Nitrosamines = Suspected carcinogens Pthalates = Found in toys and air fresheners Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine Disruptors

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.

Common Endocrine Disruptors

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.

Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)

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

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

Key Environmental Challenges

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 Overview

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.

Learning Objectives in Environmental Engineering

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

Water Quality Parameters

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.

Water Uses and Monitoring

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.

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in environmental engineering. This quiz covers various topics including endocrine disruptors, disinfection by-products, and the primary goals of the field. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the impact of engineering on the environment.