Environmental Chemistry - Water Treatment and Wetlands

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding water treatment, wetlands, and pollutant removal mechanisms discussed in the Environmental Chemistry lecture.

Hydraulic Loading Rate

The rate of water flow into a wetland per unit area, expressed as q = Q/A.

Pollutant Removal Mechanisms

Processes contributing to the reduction of pollutants in wetlands, including biological, chemical, and physical interactions.

Free Water Surface (FWS) Wetlands

Wetlands designed to treat stormwater with characteristics similar to natural wetlands, providing habitat and supporting biodiversity.

Removal Efficiency (RE)

A measure of a wetland's ability to remove pollutants, calculated as RE = (Ci - Co) / Ci x 100%.

Nitrification

The microbial process converting ammonium (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3-) under aerobic conditions.

Denitrification

The reduction of nitrates (NO3-) to nitrogen gas (N2) under anaerobic conditions, helping to remove excess nitrogen from ecosystems.

Macrophytes

Aquatic plants that play a crucial role in nutrient uptake and pollutant removal in wetland ecosystems.

Oxidation Reduction Reactions (Redox)

Reactions that involve the transfer of electrons, driving important biogeochemical processes in sediments and wetlands.

Sorption

The process by which pollutants are bound to sediment particles, affecting their mobility and bioavailability.

Chemoautotrophic Metabolism

A metabolic process by certain bacteria that obtains energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds, often contributing to nutrient cycling.