Operator
Quiz Test No. 102 – Biological Treatment
T
he following questions are designed for trainees as they prepare to 9. What are the chemicals called that are released by microorganisms in the
take the ABC wastewater operator test. It is also designed for existing biological treatment process that break down adsorbed food particles?.
operators to test their knowledge. Each issue of Clear Waters will have a. biomass
more questions from a different section of wastewater treatment. Good luck! b. enzymes
c. sulfides
1. If an in-tank dissolved oxygen (DO) probe is improperly calibrated at an d. chlorides
aeration tank resulting in lower values than actual, what result is most likely?
a. Not enough DO will be provided for nitrification 10. The measurement of oxygen required during the stabilization of decomposing
b. The aeration blower will not be providing enough DO to the microorganisms organic solids by an aerobic process is:
c. The aeration blower will be running more than required wasting energy a. biochemical oxygen demand
d. Low DO filamentous bacteria are likely to form b. dissolved oxygen
c. ozonation
2. If a large dairy discharges a much higher than normal organic load to the d. chlorination
sewer system, the operator’s first indicator is:
a. A decrease in the DO concentration in the aeration tank 11. What is the best description of nitrification?
b. Floatables in the final clarifier a. ammonia is converted to COD
c. BOD in final effluent has increased b. nitrites are converted to ammonia
d. Sludge production has increased c. ammonia is converted to nitrites and nitrates
d. nitrates are converted to ammonia and nitrites
3. Why are the horizontal pipes holding air diffusers at the same elevation in an
aeration tank? 12. Advantages of a pure oxygen activated sludge process include:
a. To provide a tapered release of air into the reactor a. smaller aeration basins are required
b. To accomplish complete mixing b. ability to handle shock loads
c. To ensure diffuser clogging does not occur c. decreased solids production
d. For an even air release into the reactor d. all of the above
1c, 2a, 3d, 4d, 5a, 6b, 7d, 8b, 9b, 10a, 11c, 12d
4. If there is insufficient withdrawal of settled sludge from a secondary clarifier, Answers:
what can occur?
a. Sludge rising to the surface For those who have questions concerning operator certification require
b. Presence of gas bubbles in the clarifier ments and scheduling, please contact Tanya May Jennings at 315-422-7811
c. Turbid effluent ext. 4/
[email protected], or visit www.nywea.org/OpCert.
d. All of the above
5. Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) Units are usually installed in a concrete
tank so that the surface of the wastewater passing through the tank almost
reaches the shaft.
a. True b. False
6. If there is no oxygen present and all biological activity within the pond is
anaerobic, this is known as what type of pond?
a. Aerobic pond
b. Anaerobic pond
c. Facultative pond
d. Aerated pond
7. What is the watery mixture of microorganisms and solids removed from the
settling tank called?
a. Mixed liquor suspended solids
b. Mixed liquor volatile suspended solids
c. Mixed liquor
d. Activated sludge
8. A 2,000 mL sample of activated sludge is allowed to settle for 30 minutes.
At the end of 30 minutes, the sludge volume is 1,100 mL. What is the
30-minute settled sludge volume (SSV30)?
a. 552 mL/L
b. 550 mL/L
c. 110 mL/L
d. 475 mL/L
Clear Waters Winter 2013
