Fundamentals of Water Purification Process Design

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to the water purification process design, water quality, and treatment methods.

Water

The most basic and fundamental component of life on earth.

Hydrolysis

The metabolic breakdown of essential molecules such as proteins and carbohydrates in living cells.

HOH or H2O

The basic molecular composition of water, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Physical and Chemical Nature of Water

Water covers over 70% of the earth's surface, exists in vapor form, is most dense at 4°C, and has a specific gravity of 1.

Specific Heat of Water

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius, equal to 1 calorie.

Fresh Water

Water having a salt concentration below 0.01%, found in lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

Contaminated Water

Water with any materials or substances that affect its quality and health.

Groundwater

The portion of rainwater that percolates into the earth to form underground deposits called aquifers.

Confined Aquifer

An aquifer sandwiched between impermeable layers, causing hydraulic pressure to rise above the ground surface.

Unconfined Aquifer

An aquifer whose upper limit is the water table and is often shallow.

Sedimentation

A water treatment process that removes suspended matter by allowing it to settle out of the water.

Coagulation (Flocculation)

A process that removes suspended particles and coloration by adding a chemical like alum.

Filtration

A common water treatment that removes suspended particles and some bacteria.

Polluted Water

Water that contains foreign substances which degrade its quality.

Hard Water

Water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium, causing difficulty in lathering soap.

Soft Water

Water that is free of calcium and magnesium, allowing easier lathering of soap.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the earth.

Evaporation

The process by which liquid water is converted into vapor.

Condensation

The change in state of water from vapor to liquid, releasing latent heat energy.

Aqueduct

A conduit designed to convey water from a source to a distribution point.

Disinfection

A key health-related water treatment process that eliminates harmful microorganisms.

Potable Water

Water that is safe for human consumption and agreeable in taste and odor.

Water Demand Variations

The changes in the amount of water required based on factors such as season and community size.

Water Pollution

Any alteration of the physical, chemical, biological, or radiological properties of water.

Watershed Management

The process of managing the land and water resources in a watershed to meet human needs and protect the environment.

Surface Water

All water that is open to the atmosphere and subject to surface runoff.

Effluent

Wastewater that is discharged from a treatment plant, often into a water body.

Groundwater Flow

The movement of water through the soil and into underground reservoirs.

Water Supply System

The infrastructure used to provide water to consumers such as households and industries.

Sludge

The solid, semi-solid, or liquid waste that is generated from a wastewater treatment plant.

Hydraulic Pressure

The pressure exerted by fluids to move them through pipes and systems.

Storm Water

Rainwater runoff that is drained from surfaces like roofs and streets.

Aquifer

A geological formation that can store and transmit water.

Sewage

Water-borne human or animal wastes that are removed from buildings and institutions.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

A facility that treats wastewater to remove contaminants before it is released into the environment.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

A measure of the amount of organic content in water.

Turbidity

A measure of the cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles.

Water Quality

The chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water.