Water Quality Engineering
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Aeration is the process of bringing water and air into close contact in o… #
Related terms include oxygenation and gas transfer. Aeration can be achieved through various methods, including mechanical aeration, diffused aeration, and natural aeration. Air stripping is a technique used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water by passing air through the water and allowing the VOCs to evaporate into the air. Related terms include air and stripping. Air stripping is often used in combination with other treatment technologies, such as activated carbon filtration and chemical oxidation. Alkalinity is a measure of the ability of water to neutralize acids, which is essential for maintaining a stable pH level. Related terms include pH and buffering capacity. Alkalinity is typically measured in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Anaerobic digestion is a process in which microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of biogas, which is primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. Related terms include microorganisms and biogas. Anaerobic digestion is often used to treat wastewater and organic waste, and can also be used to generate energy. Anion exchange is a process in which negatively charged ions (anions) are removed from water and replaced with other anions, typically chloride or hydroxide. Related terms include cation exchange and ion exchange. Anion exchange is often used to remove nitrate, sulfate, and other anions from water. Aquifer is a geological formation that stores and transmits large amounts of water, such as sand, gravel, or rock. Related terms include groundwater and aquatic system. Aquifers can be confined or unconfined, and can be used as a source of drinking water, irrigation water, and other purposes. Bacteria are microorganisms that are found in water and can cause illness in humans, such as E. Coli and Salmonella. Related terms include microorganisms and pathogens. Bacteria can be removed from water through treatment technologies, such as filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is a measure of the amount of oxygen required to break down organic matter in water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Related terms include oxygen demand and organic matter. BOD is typically measured in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Bioreactor is a device or system that uses microorganisms to break down organic matter and remove pollutants from water. Related terms include microorganisms and biodegradation. Bioreactors can be used to treat a variety of wastewater and organic waste, and can also be used to generate energy. Brittleness is a measure of the tendency of water to cause corrosion or scaling in pipes and other infrastructure, which can be a significant problem in water distribution systems. Related terms include corrosion and scaling. Brittleness is typically measured in terms of the Langelier saturation index (LSI) or the Ryznar stability index (RSI). Cation exchange is a process in which positively charged ions (cations) are removed from water and replaced with other cations, typically sodium or hydrogen. Related terms include anion exchange and ion exchange. Cation exchange is often used to remove heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, from water. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a measure of the amount of oxygen required to break down organic matter in water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. COD is typically measured in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Coagulation is a process in which chemicals are added to water to remove dirt and other suspended particles, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include flocculation and sedimentation. Coagulation is often used in combination with other treatment technologies, such as filtration and disinfection. Corrosion is a process in which pipes and other infrastructure are damaged by chemical reactions with water, which can be a significant problem in water distribution systems. Related terms include scaling and brittleness. Corrosion can be controlled through the use of corrosion inhibitors, such as phosphates and silicates. Denitrification is a process in which microorganisms break down nitrate and other nitrogen compounds in water, resulting in the production of nitrogen gas. Related terms include microorganisms and nitrification. Denitrification is often used to remove nitrate from water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Desalination is a process in which salt and other minerals are removed from seawater or brackish water, resulting in fresh water that can be used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. Related terms include reverse osmosis and distillation. Desalination is often used in areas where there is a shortage of fresh water, such as in coastal communities. Disinfection is a process in which microorganisms are killed or inactivated in water, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) light. Disinfection can be achieved through various methods, including chemical disinfection, ultraviolet (UV) light, and ozone treatment. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of the amount of oxygen dissolved in water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Related terms include oxygenation and aeration. DO is typically measured in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Distribution system is a network of pipes and other infrastructure that delivers water from a treatment plant to consumers, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include water supply and infrastructure. Distribution systems can be vulnerable to contamination and other problems, such as corrosion and scaling. Effluent is a type of wastewater that has been treated and released into the environment, which can be a significant source of pollution. Related terms include wastewater and treatment. Effluent can be treated through various methods, including physical, chemical, and biological treatment technologies. Eutrophication is a process in which excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, accumulate in water, resulting in the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. Related terms include algae and nutrient pollution. Eutrophication can be a significant problem in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in decreased water quality and habitat loss. Filtration is a process in which water is passed through a filter to remove suspended particles and other contaminants, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include coagulation and sedimentation. Filtration can be achieved through various methods, including granular filtration, membrane filtration, and cartridge filtration. Flocculation is a process in which chemicals are added to water to remove dirt and other suspended particles, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Flocculation is often used in combination with other treatment technologies, such as filtration and disinfection. Flow rate is a measure of the amount of water that flows through a pipe or other infrastructure per unit time, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include velocity and hydraulics. Flow rate is typically measured in terms of gallons per minute (gpm) or cubic meters per second (m3/s). Gas transfer is a process in which gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, are exchanged between water and the atmosphere, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Gas transfer can be achieved through various methods, including mechanical aeration, diffused aeration, and natural aeration. Groundwater is a type of water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface, which can be a significant source of fresh water. Related terms include aquifer and hydrogeology. Groundwater can be contaminated by pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, and can also be affected by climate change. Hardness is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium ions in water, which can cause scaling and other problems in pipes and other infrastructure. Related terms include scaling and corrosion. Hardness is typically measured in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Hydraulics is the study of the behavior of water in motion, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include fluid mechanics and hydrodynamics. Hydraulics can be used to design and operate water distribution systems, wastewater treatment plants, and other water infrastructure. Infiltration is a process in which water seeps into the soil and becomes groundwater, which can be a significant source of fresh water. Related terms include percolation and hydrogeology. Infiltration can be affected by climate change, land use, and other factors, and can also be used to recharge aquifers. Ion exchange is a process in which ions are removed from water and replaced with other ions, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include cation exchange and anion exchange. Ion exchange can be used to remove a variety of pollutants, including heavy metals, nitrates, and other inorganic compounds. Lake is a body of fresh or saltwater that is surrounded by land, which can be a significant source of fresh water and habitat for aquatic life. Related terms include reservoir and aquatic ecosystem. Lakes can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used for recreation, irrigation, and other purposes. Microorganisms are living organisms that are found in water and can cause illness in humans, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Related terms include pathogens and public health. Microorganisms can be removed from water through treatment technologies, such as filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Nitrification is a process in which microorganisms break down ammonia and other nitrogen compounds in water, resulting in the production of nitrate. Related terms include denitrification and nitrogen cycle. Nitrification is often used to remove ammonia and other nitrogen compounds from water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Nitrogen cycle is a process in which nitrogen is converted from one form to another in the environment, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Related terms include nitrification and denitrification. The nitrogen cycle can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used to remove nitrogen compounds from water. Organic matter is a type of material that is found in water and can cause problems, such as algae growth and decreased water quality. Related terms include biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Organic matter can be removed from water through treatment technologies, such as filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Oxygen demand is a measure of the amount of oxygen required to break down organic matter in water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Oxygen demand is typically measured in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Oxygenation is a process in which oxygen is added to water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Related terms include aeration and gas transfer. Oxygenation can be achieved through various methods, including mechanical aeration, diffused aeration, and natural aeration. Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause illness in humans, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Related terms include microorganisms and public health. Pathogens can be removed from water through treatment technologies, such as filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light. PH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Related terms include alkalinity and acidity. PH is typically measured in terms of a scale from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 being neutral. Phosphorus is a nutrient that is found in water and can cause problems, such as algae growth and decreased water quality. Related terms include eutrophication and nutrient pollution. Phosphorus can be removed from water through treatment technologies, such as filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Potable water is a type of water that is safe for human consumption, which is essential for maintaining public health. Related terms include drinking water and water supply. Potable water can be treated through various methods, including filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Public health is a field of study that focuses on the health and well-being of populations, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include pathogens and microorganisms. Public health can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used to develop policies and programs to protect public health. Recharge is a process in which water is added to an aquifer, which can be a significant source of fresh water. Related terms include infiltration and hydrogeology. Recharge can be affected by climate change, land use, and other factors, and can also be used to replenish aquifers. Reservoir is a body of water that is stored behind a dam or other barrier, which can be a significant source of fresh water and habitat for aquatic life. Related terms include lake and aquatic ecosystem. Reservoirs can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used for recreation, irrigation, and other purposes. Reverse osmosis is a process in which water is forced through a semipermeable membrane to remove salt and other minerals, resulting in fresh water. Related terms include desalination and membrane filtration. Reverse osmosis is often used to remove salt and other minerals from seawater or brackish water, and can also be used to remove other pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides. River is a body of water that flows through the landscape, which can be a significant source of fresh water and habitat for aquatic life. Related terms include stream and aquatic ecosystem. Rivers can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used for recreation, irrigation, and other purposes. Sedimentation is a process in which particles settle to the bottom of a container or other infrastructure, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include coagulation and flocculation. Sedimentation can be used to remove suspended particles and other contaminants from water, and can also be used to treat wastewater and other types of water. Scaling is a process in which minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, accumulate on the surfaces of pipes and other infrastructure, which can cause problems, such as decreased water flow and increased maintenance costs. Related terms include corrosion and brittleness. Scaling can be controlled through the use of corrosion inhibitors, such as phosphates and silicates. Sewer is a system of pipes and other infrastructure that collects and transports wastewater and other types of water, which is essential for maintaining public health and environmental quality. Sewers can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used to transport stormwater and other types of water. Stormwater is a type of water that flows over the land and through the landscape, which can be a significant source of pollution and other problems. Related terms include runoff and hydrology. Stormwater can be treated through various methods, including filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light, and can also be used to recharge aquifers and other groundwater sources. Stream is a body of water that flows through the landscape, which can be a significant source of fresh water and habitat for aquatic life. Related terms include river and aquatic ecosystem. Streams can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used for recreation, irrigation, and other purposes. Suspended solids are a type of particle that is found in water and can cause problems, such as decreased water quality and increased maintenance costs. Related terms include turbidity and sedimentation. Suspended solids can be removed from water through treatment technologies, such as filtration, disinfection, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness or clarity of water, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include suspended solids and sedimentation. Turbidity is typically measured in terms of nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) or formazin turbidity units (FTU). Ultrafiltration is a process in which water is forced through a semipermeable membrane to remove suspended particles and other contaminants, resulting in fresh water. Related terms include reverse osmosis and membrane filtration. Ultrafiltration is often used to remove suspended particles and other contaminants from water, and can also be used to treat wastewater and other types of water. Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of radiation that is used to disinfect water and remove other contaminants, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include disinfection and pathogens. UV light can be used to remove a variety of pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Wastewater is a type of water that has been used and discarded, which can be a significant source of pollution and other problems. Related terms include sewer and treatment. Wastewater can be treated through various methods, including physical, chemical, and biological treatment technologies, and can also be used to generate energy and other products. Water quality is a measure of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Related terms include water supply and public health. Water quality can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used to develop policies and programs to protect public health and environmental quality. Water supply is a system of infrastructure and management practices that provides water to consumers, which is essential for maintaining public health and environmental quality. Related terms include potable water and water treatment. Water supply can be affected by climate change, pollution, and other factors, and can also be used to develop policies and programs to protect public health and environmental quality. Water treatment is a process in which water is treated to remove contaminants and improve its quality, which is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Water treatment can be achieved through various methods, including physical, chemical, and biological treatment technologies, and can also be used to remove a variety of pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.