Physical Characteristics of Water

Question 1

List the 5 physical characteristics of water/wastewater

Answer 1

Total Solids
Turbidity
Colour
Temperature
Odour and Taste

Question 2

Total solids are made up of what?

Answer 2

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Question 3

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) can be broken into what two categories?

Answer 3

Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS)
Non-Volatile Suspended Solids (NVSS)

Question 4

Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) are otherwise known as what?

Answer 4

Organic Solids (can volatize at 550 deg C)

Question 5

How are organics removed from water?

Answer 5

By the introduction of bacteria

The bacteria will eat the organic matter and become larger and settle out (which is easier to remove from water)

Question 6

What is the size range for colloidal solids?

Answer 6

0.001 micron to 1 micron

Question 7

How are colloidal solids removed from water?

Answer 7

They are turned into larger particles that will then settle out and can be removed from the water

Question 8

What causes turbidity?

Answer 8

Colloidal and residual matter

Question 9

What is turbidity?

Answer 9

A measure of light-transmitting properties of water

Question 10

What are the units of turbidity?

Answer 10

NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit)

Question 11

Colloids can protect pathogens, true or false?

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What are the 2 main phases of water treatment?

Answer 12

Solid Transformation and Removal
Disinfection

Question 13

What is water typically disinfected with once it has been through the solid transformation and removal process?

Answer 13

Chlorine

Question 14

How can chlorine be removed from water?

Answer 14

Through UV disinfection

Too much chlorine creates carcinogens

Question 15

Through what units is colour measured in water?

Answer 15

Apparent Colour Unit (ACU)

Question 16

What causes colour in natural water?

Answer 16

Dissolved Materials

Question 17

What is the main cause of colour in water streams that is a result of industrial waste?

Answer 17

Iron

Question 18

Water is less soluble in warmer temperatures, true or false?

Answer 18

True

Question 19

Chemical and biological reaction rates _______ with temperature

Answer 19

Increase

Question 20

Sensory perception of taste and odour is affected by temperature, true or false?

Answer 20

True

Question 21

Treated drinking water should be free of taste and odour issues, true or false?

Answer 21

True

Question 22

Odours associated with surface water result from what?

Answer 22

The presence of organic compounds