Water Quality and Environmental Chemistry Quiz

The movement of water through the Earth's systems, including evaporation, precipitation, runoff, and storage.

The attraction between water molecules, caused by the sharing of electrons between hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

The property of water that makes it resist changes in temperature. It takes a lot of heat to change the temperature of water.

The amount of dissolved salts in water. Low mineralization means fewer dissolved salts.

The ability of water to dissolve many substances, leading to diverse compositions in natural waters.

A measure of acidity or alkalinity in water. Pure water has a pH of 7, acidic waters have a pH below 7, and alkaline waters have a pH above 7.

Contamination of water by harmful substances, such as chemicals, bacteria, or viruses.

The amount of usable freshwater on Earth is very limited, making it a precious resource.

Water color can be affected by the presence of organic and inorganic compounds, either naturally occurring or from human activities.

Wastewater that has recently been discharged often appears grey, but as microorganisms break down the waste, it can turn black.

Depending on the type of contaminant, industrial wastewater can exhibit a variety of colors.

Water temperature significantly impacts water quality by affecting gas solubility and microbial activity.

Increased water temperature reduces the solubility of gases like oxygen, which is vital for aquatic life.

Higher water temperatures accelerate microbial activity, influencing the speed of chemical reactions.

Organic matter (OM) in water can be naturally derived from plants and animals or originate from urban/industrial sources. Naturally occurring OM is typically biodegradable, while urban/industrial sources may include both biodegradable and non-biodegradable compounds.

Detergents contain active agents called surfactants that create foam and increase the chemical oxygen demand (COD) due to their organic nature. Other ingredients like anti-calcareous agents and additives also contribute to the overall water quality.

The process of removing small, heavy solids like sand and grit from wastewater.

A type of grit chamber where water flows horizontally, allowing heavier particles to settle.

A type of grit chamber where water flows vertically, allowing heavier particles to settle.

A type of grit chamber that uses air injection to reduce the settling rate of organic material, making grit separation more effective.

The process of removing oily or greasy substances from wastewater, typically using air and skimmers.

A type of treatment that focuses on removing very small, suspended solids that were not removed during pre-treatment.

Particles so small they don't settle naturally and cause turbidity and color in wastewater.

The process of adding chemicals to neutralize the charges on colloids, causing them to clump together and settle out.

A separation process where a solid-liquid mixture is separated by passing the mixture through a filter medium. The solid particles are retained on the filter, while the liquid passes through.

A separation process where a solid-liquid mixture is separated using a centrifuge. The heavier solid particles are forced to the outside of the centrifuge, while the lighter liquid remains in the center.

A separation process involving a change in phase of a substance. Typically, a gas or vapor is condensed into a liquid, separating it from other gases.

A separation process where a solid-gas mixture is separated by passing the mixture through a filter medium. The solid particles are retained on the filter, while the gas passes through. This process is often used for dust removal.

A separation process where a gas stream is contacted with a liquid to remove pollutants from the gas. The pollutants dissolve into the liquid, resulting in cleaner gas.

A separation process where a gas stream is contacted with a solid material to remove pollutants from the gas. The pollutants adhere to the solid surface, resulting in cleaner gas.

A separation process where flammable or combustible gas is controlled by introducing excess oxygen and burning the gas at a high temperature.

A separation process where a catalyst is used to promote a chemical reaction to remove pollutants from a gas stream.

Wastes that cannot be managed through regular collection services due to their potential for causing serious pollution problems.

The measure of how compact a material is. It influences the size needed for collection vehicles and landfills.

The amount of moisture in a waste material. It affects how the waste transforms and can cause issues with processes like incineration or leachate production.

The distribution of particle sizes in a waste material. This is important for separating different materials during recycling processes.

The ability of organic materials in waste to break down naturally through biological processes.

The process of recovering materials from waste to be used again in their original form or for a different application.

The conversion of organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment through biological processes under controlled aerobic conditions.

The amount of heat released during the complete combustion of a waste material. This is relevant for energy production.

The time it takes for organic waste to break down into compost, influenced by the method used. Open systems, like piles, take longer (3-4 weeks) due to natural decomposition, while closed systems, like tumblers, are faster (1-2 weeks) because they control conditions.

A crucial factor in composting, temperature influences microbial activity and eliminates harmful organisms. The ideal range is between 50-70°C.

The amount of water in compost, essential for microbial activity and breakdown. Ideal moisture content is 40-60%.

The ratio of carbon-rich materials (brown) to nitrogen-rich materials (green) in compost. It balances energy supply and nutrient availability for microbes, crucial for healthy decomposition.

The acidity or alkalinity of compost, affecting microbial activity. Ideal pH range is 5-7, similar to most soils.

The process of storing composted material to refine its quality by promoting further decomposition and stabilization.

The ability of glass to be recycled without degrading its properties. It can be processed repeatedly without losing quality.

Materials that can be softened with heat, allowing them to be re-molded and recycled. Examples include PET and PVC.