Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering MCQs (Part-11)
What is the primary purpose of a combined sewer system?
A Sewage collection
B Wastewater treatment
C Both sewage and stormwater
D Stormwater drainage
A combined sewer system is designed to carry both sewage and stormwater in the same pipes. While efficient, it can lead to overflows during heavy rains, discharging untreated water into the environment.
What is the role of sludge management in wastewater treatment?
A Treat wastewater
B Filter water
C Distribute water
D Handle solid waste
Sludge management involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of solid waste (sludge) generated during wastewater treatment. It helps reduce the volume of waste and can produce biogas, a renewable energy source.
What type of water is suitable for greywater recycling?
A Toilet water
B Sink and shower water
C Stormwater
D Rainwater
Greywater refers to wastewater generated from sinks, showers, and laundry. It can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes like irrigation or toilet flushing, conserving freshwater resources and reducing water demand.
What is the main function of anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment?
A Produce biogas
B Kill bacteria
C Remove solids
D Filter water
Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas. This process helps treat sludge, reduces its volume, and generates renewable energy from methane gas.
What is the purpose of nutrient removal in wastewater treatment?
A Remove bacteria
B Increase water clarity
C Prevent eutrophication
D Filter solids
Nutrient removal, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, is crucial in preventing eutrophication in water bodies. Excessive nutrients promote algae growth, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic ecosystems, affecting water quality.
What is the main purpose of stormwater management systems?
A Reuse water
B Reduce flooding
C Treat wastewater
D Distribute water
Stormwater management systems are designed to manage excess rainwater, preventing flooding and waterlogging. These systems often include drainage, retention basins, and permeable surfaces to direct and store runoff safely.
What is a primary feature of a septic system?
A Remove solids
B Store water
C Recycle wastewater
D Treat sewage on-site
Septic systems are designed for on-site treatment of sewage in rural or off–grid areas. Wastewater is separated into solids and liquids in a tank, with the liquid filtered through the soil, helping manage waste safely.
Which of the following is an advanced treatment method for wastewater?
A Reverse osmosis
B Sedimentation
C Coagulation
D Filtration
Reverse osmosis is an advanced treatment method where water is forced through a semi‐permeable membrane to remove salts, contaminants, and dissolved solids. This process produces high–quality water suitable for reuse or discharge.
What is the goal of water conservation techniques?
A Reduce water consumption
B Increase water supply
C Filter water
D Recycle water
Water conservation techniques aim to minimize the amount of water used in daily activities. This includes practices like reducing waste, reusing water, and using efficient irrigation systems, helping to ensure sustainable water use.
How does hydraulic modeling help in water supply systems?
A Increase water pressure
B Simulate water flow
C Detect leaks
D Improve water quality
Hydraulic modeling simulates the behavior of water within a distribution system. By adjusting variables like pipe size and pressure, engineers can optimize the system’s efficiency, design improvements, and ensure reliable water delivery.
What is a key benefit of wastewater reuse?
A Recycles solids
B Increases water availability
C Reduces pollution
D Filters water
Wastewater reuse treats and recycles wastewater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation and industrial processes. This reduces demand on freshwater resources and provides a sustainable water supply in areas with limited resources.
What is the role of effluent discharge standards?
A Filter wastewater
B Increase water flow
C Reduce water usage
D Protect water quality
Effluent discharge standards regulate the level of pollutants in wastewater released into the environment. By setting limits on contaminants like chemicals and pathogens, they help protect water quality and maintain public health.
Which method helps detect leaks in water distribution systems?
A Pressure testing
B Chlorination
C Filtration
D Reverse osmosis
Pressure testing is used to detect leaks in water distribution systems by monitoring changes in water pressure. A drop in pressure indicates a potential leak, allowing for timely repairs and minimizing water loss.
What is the purpose of sludge management in wastewater treatment plants?
A Filter sludge
B Treat solid waste
C Reuse water
D Increase water quality
Sludge management is vital for handling the solid waste generated during wastewater treatment. It involves processes like dewatering, stabilization, and disposal, ensuring safe management and potential reuse of the material.
What is the goal of environmental health in water systems?
A Increase water availability
B Reduce water waste
C Improve water quality
D Decrease water pressure
Environmental health in water systems focuses on ensuring safe and clean water for human consumption and environmental sustainability. It involves controlling pollutants, maintaining water quality, and preventing waterborne diseases.