Water Quality Management - Wastewater & Sludge Treatment

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to wastewater and sludge management as outlined in the lecture.

A mixture that is 99.9% water containing organic material, measured by its BOD.

Sewage

Biochemical Oxygen Demand; a measure of the amount of organic material in sewage, with average BOD5 of domestic sewage around 200 mg/L.

BOD

Also known as the Clean Water Act, it requires the reduction of pollution from point sources.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; a permit system regulating point sources of pollution.

NPDES

A requirement for treatment of toxic wastes under the FWPCA.

Best Available Technology (BAT)

When non-biodegradable toxic substances pass through a sewage treatment plant without being treated.

Pass-through

Wastes that disrupt the operation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), such as toxic waste killing necessary bacteria.

Interference

Regulates industrial wastes entering STPs through specific standards and requirements.

National Pretreatment Program

The initial phase of sewage treatment that involves physical removal of solids.

Primary Treatment

A biological treatment process using aerobic microorganisms to biodegrade organic matter.

Secondary Treatment

A wastewater treatment system where wastewater is sprayed over media, allowing aerobic bacteria to consume organic matter.

Trickling Filter

A treatment method with discs that rotate, contacting both air and sewage, promoting biological treatment.

Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)