Water Quality Analysis: Physical Characteristics

Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of bacteria in water?

Soil erosion

Rainwater run-off

Human and animal wastes (correct)

Industrial waste

Which of the following statements about viruses in water is true?

Viruses can cause diseases like poliomyelitis. (correct)

They are the largest biological structures known.

All viruses are harmless to human health.

They can be seen with the naked eye.

Which protozoan is known to cause illness in humans?

Entamoeba histolytica (correct)

Tetrahymena thermophila

Paramecium caudatum

Amoeba proteus

What primarily poses a health hazard from worms in water?

Direct contact with untreated water Signup and view all the answers

What is the size range of bacteria that cannot be seen by the naked eye?

1-4 μm Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective method for removing solids from water in water treatment?

Filtration Signup and view all the answers

Which component is primarily responsible for most turbidity in surface water?

Clay particles Signup and view all the answers

What does turbidity primarily measure in water quality analysis?

Clarity Signup and view all the answers

What types of materials usually cause turbidity in water?

Clay, silt, and soil particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of background concentration in relation to turbidity increase?

It can affect the allowable turbidity increase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of excess nutrients in aquatic environments?

They increase the growth of aquatic weeds and algae. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically associated with turbidity in water?

Dissolved minerals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about filtration in water treatment is correct?

Filtration is effective for all solids except colloids. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients is most often a limiting factor in freshwater systems?

Phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

Which type of organics are resistant to biological degradation and can be toxic?

Nonbiodegradable organics Signup and view all the answers

Algal blooms primarily contribute to turbidity through which mechanism?

By adding organic particulate matter. Signup and view all the answers

What organisms are classified as waterborne pathogens?

Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasitic worms Signup and view all the answers

What impact do biodegradable organics have on water quality?

They contribute to the color, taste, and odor problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrients are essential for healthy aquatic communities?

Nitrogen and phosphorous Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential source of contamination in surface streams?

Runoff and rainwash from land Signup and view all the answers

In what way can chlorinated organic compounds impact aquatic life?

They can be toxic and nonbiodegradable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the penstock in a hydropower plant?

To provide water from the head tank to the turbine Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a hydropower plant is responsible for turning potential energy into electricity?

Turbine Signup and view all the answers

What function does the forebay serve in a hydropower system?

To control water output and trap impurities Signup and view all the answers

In hydropower plants, what is typically used to manage the elevation difference between water channels?

Headrace Signup and view all the answers

What type of hydropower plant is characterized by water being diverted from a river?

Run-of-the-river plant Signup and view all the answers

Which project listed is located in Caagutayan, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro?

10 MW Inabasan River Hydropower Project Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the powerhouse in a hydropower facility?

To contain key equipment for electricity generation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a desilting basin in a hydropower plant?

To separate impurities from water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Pantabangan Dam?

Irrigation and hydroelectric power generation Signup and view all the answers

Where is Pantabangan Dam located?

Nueva Ecija Signup and view all the answers

When did Pantabangan Dam begin operations?

September 1, 1974 Signup and view all the answers

What type of dam is Pantabangan Dam?

Embankment earthen dam Signup and view all the answers

What is the installed capacity of Pantabangan Dam?

120 MW Signup and view all the answers

Which river does Pantabangan Dam primarily affect?

Pampanga River Signup and view all the answers

How large is the catchment area of Pantabangan Dam?

853 km² Signup and view all the answers

Which agency operates Pantabangan Dam?

NPC Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Physical Characteristics of Water

Solids in water treatment are effectively removed through filtration, except for colloids and dissolved solids.
Turbidity measures water clarity; clay particles are the primary cause of turbidity, while microorganisms and plant matter also contribute.
Biodegradable organics can cause color, taste, and odor issues, while nonbiodegradable organics resist degradation.

Chemical Characteristics of Water

Toxic organics, such as pesticides and chlorinated compounds, can contaminate water and are harmful to aquatic life and humans.
Nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are essential for aquatic plant growth but can lead to excessive growth of algae and weeds if present in excess.
Phosphorus is often the limiting factor in growth within freshwater systems.

Biochemical Characteristics of Water and Wastewater

Waterborne pathogens include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasitic worms, posing health risks to humans and animals.
Bacteria, found in various environments and primarily from human and animal waste, range from 1-4μm in size and often contaminate water sources.
Viruses are extremely small and can be a significant public health concern, causing diseases like poliomyelitis and hepatitis.
Protozoa are mostly harmless, with a few, such as Entamoeba histolytica, being pathogenic; worms in contaminated water are hazardous to those who come in direct contact.

Philippine Water Resources Region

The Philippines has 18 major basins, crucial for regional hydrology and water management.
Significant water resources in the Pampanga River Basin include:
- Pantabangan Dam:
  - Location: Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
  - Coordinates: 15°48’52” N, 121°06’29” E
  - Type: Reservoir/Dam; operational since 1974.
  - Installed Capacity: 120 MW; supplies irrigation and hydroelectric power.
- Angat Dam:
  - A major water resource, further details not provided.

Hydroelectric Power Plants

Hydropower plants come in various types, including:
- Diversion/Run-off River Plants: Utilize the natural flow of water.
- Headrace/Waterway: Channel water along contours to maintain elevation and stabilize potential energy.
- Forebay/Surgetank: Controls water output and filter impurities before reaching the turbine.
- Penstock: Supplies water from the head tank to the turbine.
- Powerhouse: Contains equipment for converting potential energy into electricity—includes turbines, generators, and control panels.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the physical characteristics of water, specifically examining the methods used to analyze and manage solid impurities. Key concepts include sedimentation, filtration, and the removal of solids in water treatment processes. Test your knowledge on these essential water quality topics.