Which of the following is the most common method for disinfecting drinking water in municipal treatment plants?UV RadiationOzonationChlorinationMembrane FiltrationC) ChlorinationChlorination is the most widely used and cost-effective method for disinfecting drinking water globally, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to prevent waterborne diseases.
What is the main purpose of a "landfill liner system" in solid waste management? To convert waste into energy.To prevent the leakage of leachate and gases into the surrounding soil and groundwater. To accelerate the decomposition of waste.To compact waste more efficiently.B) To prevent the leakage of leachate and gases into the surrounding soil and groundwater.A landfill liner system, typically composed of compacted clay and synthetic geomembranes, is crucial for containing leachate (liquid that has passed through the waste) and preventing it from contaminating the soil and groundwater.
Which environmental remediation technique involves using plants to absorb, sequester, or break down contaminants in soil or water? BioremediationIncineration Phytoremediation Chemical PrecipitationC) PhytoremediationPhytoremediation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique that uses plants to extract, sequester, or detoxify contaminants (like heavy metals or organic pollutants) from soil, water, or the air.
What does "BOD" stand for in the context of wastewater treatment, and what does it measure?Biological Oxygen Demand; measures the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter.Biochemical Ozone Depletion; measures the ozone depletion potential of chemicals.Bacterial Oxidation Dose; measures the concentration of oxidizing bacteria.Biogas Output Drive; measures the energy produced from anaerobic digestion.A) Biological Oxygen Demand; measures the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter.Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a key parameter in wastewater treatment. It quantifies the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms while breaking down organic matter in a water sample over a specific period, indicating the organic pollution load.
Which of the following is considered a primary air pollutant directly emitted from sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial processes? Ground-level Ozone (O3)Acid RainSulfur Dioxide (SO2)Smog C) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)Primary air pollutants are emitted directly from a source. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a common primary pollutant released from the burning of fossil fuels (especially coal) and industrial processes. Ground-level ozone, acid rain, and smog are often secondary pollutants, formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere.
What is the main objective of a "sedimentation tank" (clarifier) in a water treatment plant?To filter out very fine suspended particles.To remove dissolved salts through reverse osmosis.To allow heavier suspended solids to settle out of the water by gravity.To disinfect the water using chlorine.C) To allow heavier suspended solids to settle out of the water by gravity.Sedimentation tanks are crucial components in water and wastewater treatment. They provide a calm environment where larger, heavier suspended particles can settle out of the water by gravity, making the water clearer before further treatment.
What is the primary method for removing large, coarse solids from wastewater at the preliminary treatment stage?Activated SludgeScreening FiltrationUV DisinfectionB) ScreeningScreening is the first step in wastewater treatment, where large floating or suspended solids (like rags, plastics, and debris) are removed from the wastewater using bar screens or mesh screens to prevent damage to downstream equipment.
Which pollutant is primarily responsible for the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer?Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Methane (CH4)Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)C) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were widely used in refrigerants and aerosols. When released into the atmosphere, they rise to the stratosphere and break down ozone molecules, leading to the depletion of the protective ozone layer.
What is "Eutrophication" in water bodies?The process of increasing dissolved oxygen levels.The excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to nutrient enrichment (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus), leading to oxygen depletion.The natural purification of water by filtration through soil.The process of removing heavy metals from water.B) The excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to nutrient enrichment (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus), leading to oxygen depletion. Eutrophication is the process by which an entire body of water, or parts of it, becomes progressively enriched with minerals and nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, from agricultural runoff and sewage. This leads to dense growth of plant life and algae, and subsequently, oxygen depletion as they decompose.
Which of the following is a renewable energy source that directly converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells? Geothermal EnergyHydropowerSolar Photovoltaic (PV)Wind EnergyC) Solar Photovoltaic (PV)Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology directly converts sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials. This is a key renewable energy source for sustainable power generation.
What is the purpose of an "air scrubber" in industrial air pollution control?To measure air quality.To remove particulate matter and/or gaseous pollutants from industrial exhaust streams. To generate fresh air.To disperse pollutants into the atmosphere.B) To remove particulate matter and/or gaseous pollutants from industrial exhaust streams.An air scrubber (or gas scrubber) is an air pollution control device that uses a liquid (often water or a chemical solution) to remove pollutants from a gas stream, typically industrial exhaust gases. They can remove both particulate matter and gaseous contaminants.
What is "biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)" used to measure in environmental engineering?The amount of carbon dioxide in the air.The amount of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in water.The amount of dissolved oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter in a water sample.The concentration of heavy metals in soil.C) The amount of dissolved oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter in a water sample.BOD is a measure of the amount of oxygen that would be consumed by microorganisms as they decompose organic matter. High BOD levels indicate a significant amount of organic pollution, which can deplete oxygen levels in water bodies.
What is the primary purpose of a "landfill liner" in waste management?To provide a surface for planting vegetation.To prevent liquid waste (leachate) from contaminating groundwater and soil To increase the decomposition rate of waste.To generate methane gas for energy.B) To prevent liquid waste (leachate) from contaminating groundwater and soil.A landfill liner is a composite barrier, usually made of compacted clay and synthetic materials, placed at the bottom of a landfill to prevent leachate (the liquid generated by waste) from escaping into the surrounding environment.
Which of the following is an example of a "non-point source" of water pollution?A pipe discharging industrial waste into a river.A sewage treatment plant's outflow.Agricultural runoff from a farm field. A spill from a specific oil tanker.C) Agricultural runoff from a farm field.Non-point source pollution is diffuse and comes from a variety of sources over a large area, making it difficult to identify and control. Agricultural runoff, urban stormwater runoff, and atmospheric deposition are classic examples.
What is the main purpose of "flocculation" in the water treatment process?To filter out large particles.To add a chemical to kill bacteria.To promote the aggregation of small suspended particles into larger, heavier clumps (flocs) that can be easily settled or filtered.To remove dissolved salts and minerals.C) To promote the aggregation of small suspended particles into larger, heavier clumps (flocs) that can be easily settled or filtered. Flocculation is a process where a chemical agent (a flocculant) is added to water to encourage small particles to clump together. These larger "flocs" can then be removed more easily through sedimentation or filtration.
What is the purpose of a "cyclone separator" in air pollution control?To remove gaseous pollutants using a liquid spray.To remove particulate matter from an air stream by using centrifugal force.To measure the concentration of pollutants in the air.To convert toxic gases into less harmful substances. B) To remove particulate matter from an air stream by using centrifugal force.A cyclone separator is an air pollution control device that uses a swirling gas flow to separate particulate matter from an air stream. The centrifugal force causes heavier particles to move to the outer wall and fall to the bottom.
The "ozone layer" is a region in the Earth's stratosphere that protects the Earth from: MeteoroidsHarmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.High-energy particles from space.The greenhouse effect.B) Harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.The ozone layer absorbs most of the sun's harmful UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer and other health problems.
"Wastewater" is best defined as: Water that has been used in agricultural irrigation.Water that has been contaminated by human activities. Rainwater that has been collected in a storage tank.Water that is used for drinking. B) Water that has been contaminated by human activities. Wastewater is any water that has been affected by human use, including domestic, industrial, and agricultural use.
What is "bioremediation"? A process of using bacteria or other microorganisms to clean up pollutants.The process of burning waste to generate energy. The process of recycling plastic. The process of filtering water.A) A process of using bacteria or other microorganisms to clean up pollutants.Bioremediation is a waste management technique that uses living organisms, such as bacteria and microbes, to remove pollutants from a contaminated site.
The "carbon footprint" of an individual or organization is:The amount of carbon they produce in a year.The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support their activities.The amount of carbon in their body.The total weight of all their waste.B) The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support their activities.A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) generated by an individual, event, organization, or product.
What is "biomagnification"?he process of making something bigger.The process of a chemical becoming more concentrated as it moves up the food chain.The process of making something smaller.The process of a chemical becoming less concentrated as it moves up the food chain.B) The process of a chemical becoming more concentrated as it moves up the food chain.Biomagnification, or bioamplification, is the increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
The term "eutrophication" is most often caused by:Air pollution. Nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage.Sound pollution.Light pollution.B) Nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage. Eutrophication is the ecosystem's response to the addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, through fertilizers or sewage, to an aquatic system.
What is the main purpose of a "leachate collection system" in a landfill?To collect rainwater.To collect and treat the liquid that seeps through the waste.To collect methane gas.To collect solid waste.B) To collect and treat the liquid that seeps through the waste.A leachate collection system is a system of pipes and pumps installed at the bottom of a landfill to collect and remove the liquid that forms as waste decomposes.
The term "renewable energy" refers to energy that comes from: Nuclear power. Coal and oil.Natural resources that are replenished naturally on a human timescale.Natural gas.C) Natural resources that are replenished naturally on a human timescale.Renewable energy is energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as sunlight, geothermal heat, wind, tides, and various forms of biomass.
The "Montreal Protocol" is an international treaty designed to:Combat climate change.Protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances responsible for ozone depletion.Prevent nuclear proliferation.Regulate international trade.B) Protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances responsible for ozone depletion.The Montreal Protocol is a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.
The term "sustainable development" refers to development that:Focuses on economic growth only.Meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Is environmentally friendly but not economically viable.Is economically viable but not environmentally friendly.B) Meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Sustainable development aims to achieve economic growth while protecting the environment and ensuring social equity.
What is the primary cause of the "greenhouse effect"?The Earth's tilt.The sun's radiation.The trapping of solar radiation by gases in the atmosphere.The presence of the ozone layer. C) The trapping of solar radiation by gases in the atmosphere.The greenhouse effect is caused by certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat and warm the planet.
The term "bioremediation" refers to the process of: Using plants to clean up pollution. Using microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants.Using chemicals to clean up pollution.Using physical methods to clean up pollution.B) Using microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants. Bioremediation is a waste management technique that involves the use of organisms to neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site.
What is a "biosphere reserve"?A place for scientific research only. An area designed to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.A place for tourism only.A place for commercial activities only.B) An area designed to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.Biosphere reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems. They are designated to promote solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.
The term "eutrophication" is most often caused by: Air pollution.Nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage.Sound pollution. Light pollution.B) Nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage. Eutrophication is the ecosystem's response to the addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, through fertilizers or sewage, to an aquatic system.
What is "biomagnification"?The process of making something bigger.The process of a chemical becoming more concentrated as it moves up the food chain.The process of making something smaller.The process of a chemical becoming less concentrated as it moves up the food chain.B) The process of a chemical becoming more concentrated as it moves up the food chain.Biomagnification is the increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
The term "acid rain" is caused by the release of which two gases into the atmosphere?Carbon dioxide and methane Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxidesOxygen and nitrogen Hydrogen and helium B) Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxidesAcid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air.
What is the main purpose of a "leachate collection system" in a landfill?To collect rainwater.To collect and treat the liquid that seeps through the waste. To collect methane gas. To collect solid waste.B) To collect and treat the liquid that seeps through the waste.A leachate collection system is a system of pipes and pumps installed at the bottom of a landfill to collect and remove the liquid that forms as waste decomposes.
The term "renewable energy" refers to energy that comes from:Nuclear power. Coal and oil.Natural resources that are replenished naturally on a human timescale.Natural gas.C) Natural resources that are replenished naturally on a human timescale.Renewable energy is energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as sunlight, geothermal heat, wind, tides, and various forms of biomass.
The "Montreal Protocol" is an international treaty designed to:Combat climate change.Protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances responsible for ozone depletion.Prevent nuclear proliferation. Regulate international trade. B) Protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances responsible for ozone depletion.The Montreal Protocol is a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.
What is a "carbon sink"?A natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores some carbon-containing chemical compound. A place where carbon is released into the atmosphere.A type of carbon filter.A type of carbon sensor.A) A natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores some carbon-containing chemical compound.Carbon sinks are places that absorb more carbon than they release. Examples include forests, oceans, and soil.
The term "wastewater treatment" refers to the process of:Purifying drinking water.Treating water that has been used in a city or a factory.Treating water that has been used in agriculture.Treating water that has been used in a swimming pool. B) Treating water that has been used in a city or a factory.Wastewater treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater, including sewage and industrial effluents.
What is the main cause of "eutrophication" in a body of water?Air pollution.Nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage.Sound pollution. Light pollution.B) Nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage.B) Nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage.Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients.
The term "greenhouse gases" refers to gases that:Trap heat in the atmosphere. Are released by plants.Are released by animals.Are released by volcanoes.A) Trap heat in the atmosphere.Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb and emit radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, causing the greenhouse effect.
The "Kyoto Protocol" is an international treaty that aims to:Protect the ozone layer.Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.Prevent nuclear proliferation.Regulate international trade. B) Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which commits its parties to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What is "biomass"?The total mass of living organisms in a given area. A type of rock. A type of soil.A type of water.A) The total mass of living organisms in a given area.In environmental engineering, biomass also refers to organic, non-fossil material of biological origin that can be used as a source of energy.
The term "carbon footprint" is a measure of: The amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by a person or organization. The amount of carbon in the air.The amount of carbon in the soil.The amount of carbon in water. A) The amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by a person or organization.A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, or product.
What is the primary purpose of a "sedimentation tank" in wastewater treatment?To mix the wastewater with chemicals.To remove suspended solids by allowing them to settle.To add oxygen to the wastewater.To kill bacteria in the wastewater.B) To remove suspended solids by allowing them to settle.Sedimentation tanks are used in wastewater treatment to allow heavy particles to settle to the bottom and for lighter particles to float to the surface to be skimmed off.
The term "green technology" refers to:Technology that is only used in agriculture.Technology that is considered environmentally friendly because its production and use cause minimal pollution.Technology that is only used in renewable energy.Technology that is only used in transportation.B) Technology that is considered environmentally friendly because its production and use cause minimal pollution.Green technology, or "cleantech," is technology whose use is intended to be environmentally friendly.
The "Kyoto Protocol" is an international treaty that aims to:Protect the ozone layer.Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.Prevent nuclear proliferation.Regulate international trade.B) Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which commits its parties to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the main cause of "acid rain"?The burning of fossil fuels.The burning of wood.The burning of natural gas.The burning of coal.A) The burning of fossil fuels.Acid rain is caused by the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.
The term "biodegradable" refers to a substance that: Cannot be broken down by living organisms.Can be broken down by living organisms.Is harmful to the environment. Is not harmful to the environment.B) Can be broken down by living organisms.Biodegradable is the ability of a material to be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
What is the main cause of "ozone depletion"?The burning of fossil fuels. The release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).The release of carbon dioxide.The release of methane.B) The release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).Ozone depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer in the atmosphere, primarily caused by the release of CFCs.
The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty that aims to:Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.Protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances.Prevent nuclear proliferation.Regulate international trade.B) Protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances.The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion.
The term "eutrophication" is a process in a body of water caused by an excess of:Oxygen NutrientsSaltAcidity B) NutrientsEutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients, causing excessive plant and algal growth.
What is the main cause of "global warming"?The burning of fossil fuels.The burning of wood.The burning of natural gas.The burning of coal.A) The burning of fossil fuels.The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause global warming.
The term "carbon footprint" refers to:The amount of carbon an individual or organization saves.The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly or indirectly support human activities.The total amount of carbon an individual or organization consumes.The total amount of carbon an individual or organization recycles. B) The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly or indirectly support human activities.A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, that are generated by human activities.
The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects is known as: IncinerationRecyclingLandfillingCompostingB) RecyclingRecycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.
The term "smog" is a combination of which two words?Smoke and Fog.Smoke and Gas. Smoke and Air.Smoke and Dust. A) Smoke and Fog.The word "smog" was coined in the early 20th century to describe a mixture of smoke and fog. It is now more broadly used to describe a type of air pollution.
The "ozone layer" in the Earth's atmosphere primarily protects us from:Acid rainUltraviolet (UV) radiationGlobal warmingAir pollutionB) Ultraviolet (UV) radiationThe ozone layer is a layer in the stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
"Bioremediation" is a waste management technique that uses:Chemicals to treat waste.Living organisms to treat waste.Heat to treat waste.Pressure to treat waste.B) Living organisms to treat waste.Bioremediation is a process used to treat contaminated media, including water, soil, and subsurface material, by using microorganisms to naturally break down and degrade pollutants.
What is the main purpose of a "sewage treatment plant"? To store wastewater.To treat wastewater to remove pollutants before it is returned to the environment.To transport wastewater.To purify drinking water.B) To treat wastewater to remove pollutants before it is returned to the environment.A sewage treatment plant is a facility that removes contaminants from wastewater and household sewage to produce an effluent that is safe for release into the environment.
The "ozone layer" in the Earth's atmosphere is primarily responsible for absorbing: Infrared radiation.Visible light.Ultraviolet (UV) radiation Radio waves.C) Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ozone layer acts as a natural shield, protecting life on Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
What is the main purpose of a "landfill"?To recycle waste.To dispose of waste by burying it.To burn waste.To compost waste.B) To dispose of waste by burying it.A landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.
"Eutrophication" is the process where a body of water becomes overly enriched with:Oxygen.Nutrients, leading to excessive growth of plants and algae.Chemicals.Bacteria.B) Nutrients, leading to excessive growth of plants and algae. Eutrophication is the ecosystem's response to the addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, through fertilizers or sewage.
What is a "wastewater treatment plant"?A facility that treats wastewater to remove pollutants before it is returned to the environment. A facility that stores wastewater.A facility that transports wastewater. A facility that purifies drinking water.A) A facility that treats wastewater to remove pollutants before it is returned to the environment. A wastewater treatment plant is a facility that removes contaminants from wastewater and household sewage to produce an effluent that is safe for release into the environment.
The process of removing pollutants from the air by using plants is called: Bioremediation Phytoremediation BiofiltrationAerationB) Phytoremediation Phytoremediation is a process that uses plants to remove, transfer, stabilize, and destroy contaminants in soil, water, and air