Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering MCQs (Part-13)
What does turbidity measure in water?
A Water flow
B Water pressure
C Water clarity
D Water quality
Turbidity measures the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles like dirt, algae, and microorganisms. High turbidity indicates poor water quality and may require further filtration or treatment for safety.
What is the function of coagulation in water treatment?
A Bind particles
B Add chemicals
C Kill bacteria
D Filter water
Coagulation involves adding chemicals to water that cause small particles to clump together, forming larger particles known as flocs. These flocs are then removed through sedimentation or filtration, improving water quality.
What is the main purpose of reverse osmosis?
A Filter bacteria
B Remove salts
C Disinfect water
D Add minerals
Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that removes dissolved salts, minerals, and impurities from water by forcing it through a semi–permeable membrane. This is essential in desalinating seawater or treating brackish water.
What is the key function of a wastewater collection system?
A Pump water
B Treat wastewater
C Store water
D Transport wastewater
A wastewater collection system collects and transports sewage and wastewater from homes, industries, and businesses to treatment facilities. This ensures safe disposal or treatment of wastewater, preventing environmental contamination.
What is the primary function of a septic system?
A Treat wastewater on–site
B Pump water
C Filter water
D Store water
A septic system treats wastewater on–site by separating solids from liquids in a tank. The effluent is filtered through the soil, providing a safe method of disposal in areas without a centralized sewer system.
What is the primary goal of sedimentation in water treatment?
A Remove bacteria
B Increase pH
C Remove large particles
D Add chemicals
Sedimentation allows heavier particles in water to settle at the bottom of a tank due to gravity. This process helps to remove large solids from water before further treatment like filtration or disinfection is applied.
What is an essential process in wastewater treatment?
A Filtration
B Anaerobic digestion
C Chlorination
D Aeration
Anaerobic digestion is a critical process in wastewater treatment that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, reducing sludge volume and producing biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
Which of the following helps reduce water wastage in irrigation?
A Reverse osmosis
B Chlorination
C Filtration
D Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing water wastage due to evaporation or runoff. It is a highly efficient irrigation method, conserving water and ensuring plants receive the optimal amount of moisture.
What does a combined sewer system carry?
A Both sewage and stormwater
B Sewage only
C Stormwater only
D Rainwater
A combined sewer system collects both stormwater and sewage in the same pipes. While efficient, this system can lead to overflows during heavy rainfall, causing untreated sewage to be discharged into water bodies.
What is the main goal of nutrient removal in wastewater treatment?
A Remove solids
B Prevent eutrophication
C Increase oxygen
D Filter water
Nutrient removal, particularly for nitrogen and phosphorus, is essential to prevent eutrophication. Excess nutrients in water bodies can promote algae growth, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic ecosystems.
What is greywater used for?
A Drinking
B Water purification
C Irrigation
D Cooling
Greywater is wastewater from non–toilet household activities like laundry and showers. It can be treated and reused for irrigation, reducing the demand for freshwater and promoting sustainable water use in landscapes and gardens.
What process is used to disinfect water?
A Filtration
B Coagulation
C Sedimentation
D Chlorination
Chlorination is widely used for disinfecting water by adding chlorine or its compounds to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It ensures the water is safe for human consumption and other uses.
What is a primary feature of a circular water economy?
A Increase water supply
B Wastewater reuse
C Store water
D Filter water
A circular water economy focuses on reusing wastewater, reducing reliance on freshwater. By recycling and treating wastewater for non-potable uses, it conserves water, reduces pollution, and supports sustainability in water management.
What is the main function of a water treatment plant?
A Distribute water
B Treat water
C Store water
D Collect water
The primary function of a water treatment plant is to purify raw water by removing contaminants and pathogens through processes such as filtration, coagulation, and disinfection, making the water safe for drinking and other uses.
What is the role of filtration in water treatment?
A Remove bacteria
B Add chemicals
C Remove large solids
D Increase pressure
Filtration is used to remove large solids, such as dirt, sand, and debris, from water. It is one of the first steps in water treatment, improving water clarity and ensuring the water is ready for further treatment.