Environmental Regulations Quiz

The quality of drinking water is a significant factor in determining public health. Access to clean drinking water is crucial for survival and well-being.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for providing public water services and ensuring that drinking water meets quality standards.

The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, monitors and enforces drinking water regulations for public water supplies.

Local authorities are responsible for regulating drinking water for private supplies, including group water schemes and businesses.

The HSE, or Health Service Executive, is involved when there are potential public health risks related to water quality.

The CRU, or Commission for Regulation of Utilities, oversees the financial aspects of water provision, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The EPA plays a vital role in ensuring a clean and healthy environment by implementing regulations, providing environmental information, and advocating for sustainable practices.

The new drinking water regulations, passed in 2023, are aimed at water suppliers to enforce stricter quality standards.

Excessive nutrient pollution, primarily phosphorus, can cause harmful algal blooms in water bodies.

Phosphorus, a key nutrient, can easily dissolve in water and is difficult to remove once it's there.

This treatment method involves using iron and aluminum coagulants to remove phosphorus from water.

Bacteria that can help remove excess phosphorus from water.

This method uses bacteria to remove phosphorus from water.

Physical removal methods, such as sand filtration and membrane technologies, can be used independently or alongside other phosphorus removal methods.

Wastewater treated by secondary methods is not yet safe for drinking. Several additional treatments are needed.

Raw water undergoes purification to remove contaminants and make it safe for drinking.

The process of removing solids and other impurities from water by allowing them to settle.

Adding chemicals like alum to water to form sticky flocs that trap impurities and settle.

The gentle movement of water to promote the gathering of small flocs into larger masses.

A process of passing water through a sand bed to remove remaining microorganisms and impurities.

Using disinfectants like chlorine or UV radiation to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in water.

Aeration is the process of introducing air into water to remove dissolved gases and oxidize dissolved metals.

Storage tanks allow time for suspended particles to settle and microorganisms to die off.

The European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023 are a set of rules enhancing existing requirements to protect human health by setting clear guidelines for safe drinking water management.

The regulations ensure that water intended for human consumption is wholesome, clean, and free from harmful substances or micro-organisms.

The regulations address the issue of water leakages during distribution, which can lead to significant waste of treated water, by setting new standards to reduce losses.

A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms in the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater under aerobic conditions. It indicates the organic strength of a wastewater sample.

A test that measures the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic and inorganic materials present in water.

The biological treatment of wastewater involves the use of microorganisms to break down organic matter.

The removal of solid and particulate organic and inorganic materials from wastewater using physical separation methods.

The removal of microorganisms from wastewater through processes like aeration and settling.

Physical methods used in primary treatment to remove large, insoluble objects from wastewater. These methods include screening and grit chambers.

Long, closely spaced, narrow metal bars used in primary wastewater treatment to block floating debris, preventing clogging of pipes or pumps.

Long, narrow tanks designed to slow down wastewater flow, allowing heavier solids to settle at the bottom for removal.

The settled solids removed from wastewater in primary treatment that undergoes further treatment.

Chemicals used in wastewater treatment to bind suspended particles together, allowing them to settle more easily.

Wastewater treatment techniques that involve microbial growth on fixed media, like stones or reeds.

Wastewater treatment techniques that involve microbial growth suspended in the water, like in the activated sludge process.

A wastewater treatment process where microorganisms break down organic contaminants using oxygen.

A wastewater treatment process where bacteria thrive in a well-oxygenated mixture of sewage and sludge.

A biological process in wastewater treatment that removes organic matter using anaerobic microorganisms. These organisms survive and thrive without oxygen.

A type of anaerobic treatment where large molecules are broken down into smaller molecules like amino acids and fatty acids.

A stage in anaerobic treatment where acidogenic bacteria break down molecules, producing acids like ammonia and carbonic acid.

The stage in anaerobic treatment where acetate and acetic acid are formed.

The final stage of anaerobic treatment where methane gas is produced.

A type of wastewater treatment that focuses on reducing inorganic nutrients like phosphates and nitrates.

A common bacterium used in activated sludge treatment, known for its ability to form flocs and degrade organic matter.

Sticky, slimy substances produced by bacteria that help them clump together in flocs.

A type of wastewater treatment that involves trickling pre-treated wastewater over a media bed. This allows microorganisms to break down organic matter.

Large structures used in wastewater treatment that contain media like rocks or plastic to support the growth of microorganisms.

A biological process involving the breakdown of organic matter by aerobic bacteria, resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide and water.

A type of treatment where bacteria break down organic matter, reducing the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).

Excessive phosphorus can lead to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies and create dead zones.

Chlorination is a primary water purification method in Ireland, aimed at eliminating harmful microorganisms.

Mono-chloramination is a water treatment technique that combines chlorine and ammonia to disinfect drinking water. It's especially effective for longer water networks.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are chemicals produced when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. They are a potential health concern, albeit managed with careful treatment.

Organic matter in untreated water can lead to the formation of THMs during chlorination.

Higher chlorine levels increase the likelihood of THM formation. Balancing disinfection and minimizing THMs is crucial.

The longer water sits in pipes, the greater the chance for THMs to form. Prompt delivery helps minimize their formation.

Autumn often sees increased THM formation due to decaying leaves entering water sources. This is linked to higher water temperatures.

The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive sets standards for wastewater treatment in large urban areas to protect the environment.

In 2023, out of 177 large urban areas in Ireland, 166 complied with the standards set by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

In 2023, 26 towns and villages in Ireland were discharging raw sewage, posing a significant risk to the environment.

The EPA identified 12 towns and villages where improved wastewater treatment is needed to protect freshwater pearl mussels.

Freshwater pearl mussels are endangered, requiring clean, well-oxygenated rivers. Pollution from wastewater harms their survival.

Uisce Éireann needs to prioritize improvement works in areas with endangered freshwater pearl mussels.

Leakage in Ireland's water network is a major issue. About 37% of treated water is lost before reaching taps.

Ongoing efforts are being made to reduce water leakage in Ireland. The national target is to achieve a leakage rate of 25% by 2030.

A test that uses the substrate MUG (4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucuronide) to detect the presence of coliforms. Coliforms produce β-glucuronidase, which hydrolyzes MUG, releasing a fluorescent product detectable under UV light.

A group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Their presence in water can indicate fecal contamination.

A specific type of coliform bacteria, commonly associated with fecal contamination and potentially harmful to human health.

A series of biochemical tests used to differentiate between different species of Enterobacteriaceae. It stands for Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, and Citrate.

A test that measures the production of indole from the amino acid tryptophan. Used to differentiate between Enterobacteriaceae.

A test that determines if a bacterial species produces stable acids during mixed acid fermentation. Methyl red is the pH indicator used for this test.

A test that assesses if a bacterial species produces acetoin (acetylmethylcarbinol) from glucose fermentation.

A test that determines the ability of bacteria to utilize citrate as their sole carbon source and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate as their nitrogen source.

A large family of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria, including common bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella.

The process of removing or reducing harmful substances or microorganisms from water to make it safe for drinking.

A parasitic protist that causes giardiasis, a common intestinal infection. It's spread through contaminated water or food.

An infection caused by Giardia parasites, leading to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and fatigue.

A protist that causes cryptosporidiosis, an intestinal infection. It's highly resistant to chlorine, making it difficult to treat.

An infection caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, resulting in diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. It can be more severe in immunocompromised individuals.

The most effective methods to remove Cryptosporidium oocysts from water are sedimentation and filtration.

A serious, sometimes fatal pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It's usually contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets.

A mild, flu-like illness caused by Legionella bacteria, usually self-limiting.

The primary way to prevent Legionnaires' disease is by ensuring proper care of water systems where Legionella bacteria can grow.

A highly contagious diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It's a major public health problem in areas with poor sanitation.

The bacteria responsible for causing cholera, a severe diarrheal disease affecting millions globally.

A specialized medium used for growing Legionella bacteria, containing yeast extract, iron, L-cysteine, and activated charcoal.

A specific type of bacteria that infects alveolar macrophages during Legionnaires' disease.

A unique characteristic of Legionella bacteria, benefiting from L-cysteine for growth and using amino acids for energy.

The primary growth factor required for Legionella bacteria, an amino acid important for its survival.

One of the essential nutrients required for Legionella bacteria growth, along with L-cysteine.

A group of bacteria that are commonly found in the digestive tract of animals, including humans. They are usually harmless, but can indicate fecal contamination in water.

A group of bacteria that are commonly found in the digestive tract of animals, including humans. They are usually harmless, but can indicate fecal contamination in water. They are:

• Relatively easy to identify.
• Present in larger numbers than more dangerous pathogens.
• Respond to the environment, wastewater treatment and water treatment similarly to pathogens.

Bacteria that are used to assess the quality of water and other environments. Their presence or absence can indicate the presence of harmful pathogens that could cause illness.

A type of agar that is both selective and differential, meaning it inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and distinguishes between others based on their characteristics. Commonly used for isolating faecal coliforms.

A type of agar that is selective because it inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria, and differential because it distinguishes between organisms that ferment lactose (e.g., E.coli) and those that do not (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella).

A technique used to evaluate the microbiological characteristics of water. The water sample is passed through a membrane filter, which traps bacteria on its surface. The filter is then transferred to a solid medium or liquid medium to detect the presence of coliforms, fecal coliforms, or enterococci.

A type of media used in membrane filtration for the detection of total coliforms. Lactose fermenting organisms form red coloured zones around colonies with a metallic sheen.

A type of agar used in membrane filtration for the detection of faecal coliforms. Methyl blue suppresses gram-positive bacteria growth and coliforms form blue colonies.

A common and preferred method of evaluating the microbiological characteristics of water. The water sample is passed through a membrane filter, which traps bacteria that are larger than 0.45μm in diameter.

A type of test that uses defined substrates (chemicals) that are broken down by specific enzymes produced by bacteria. This allows for the detection and quantification of coliforms and E.coli.

A commercial product that uses defined substrates for the detection and quantification of coliforms and E.coli. It uses two nutrient indicators, ONPG and MUG, which are metabolised by specific enzymes.

An enzyme produced by E.coli and other bacteria, including Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia. It is used in defined substrate tests to detect the presence of fecal coliforms.