Water Contamination and Treatment

What is the primary source of contamination in surface waters?

Discharge of domestic and sewage wastes, excreta, etc.

What type of microorganisms are commonly found in surface waters and can cause fouling and corrosion?

Algae, fungi, and bacteria

What is the most significant source of water pollution in terms of total mass?

Sediment or suspended matter

What is the potential effect of ionizing radiation from radioactive substances in water?

Birth defects, cancer, and genetic damage Signup and view all the answers

Why are deep well waters often less contaminated with microorganisms than surface waters?

Microorganisms are often abundant in surface waters, but their count is often quite low or even nil in deep well waters. Signup and view all the answers

How can suspended particulate matter affect aquatic plants?

It reduces photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of freshwater in the world economy?

Agriculture (approximately 70% of freshwater is consumed by agriculture) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most important industrial uses of water as an engineering material?

Steam generation Signup and view all the answers

What are some common physical impurities that can cause color in water?

Salts of iron, manganese, human materials, tannins, and industrial effluents Signup and view all the answers

What is a common industrial use of water besides steam generation?

Coolant in power and chemical plants Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of freshwater is used for purposes other than agriculture?

Approximately 30% Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the color of water in terms of its quality?

The color of water can indicate the presence of impurities or contaminants, but it is not necessarily harmful unless it is associated with toxic substances Signup and view all the answers

What is turbidity in water, and what factors influence it?

Turbidity is the measure of the optical properties of water containing insoluble substances that scatter light. It depends on the quantity, size, shape, and refractive index of the insoluble substances. Signup and view all the answers

How can turbidity be eliminated from water?

Turbidity can be eliminated by sedimentation, followed by coagulation, filtration, and other methods. Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible causes of bitter taste in water?

Bitter taste in water can be due to the presence of iron, aluminum, manganese, sulfur, or excess lime. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of disagreeable odour in water?

Disagreeable odour in water can be caused by the presence of living organisms, decaying vegetation, including algae, fungi, and weeds, as well as sewage and industrial effluents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between taste and odour in water?

Taste and odour are often interlinked, but in some cases, taste can be present without odour, and vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of impurities on the taste of water?

Impurities such as minerals, salts, and gases can affect the taste of water, making it bitter, soapy, brackish, or palatable. Signup and view all the answers