When faced with a licensing exam, don't struggle with test anxiety! Use the question below and others from our Exam Study Guide series to properly study and prepare for exam questions. Take a look at this sample wastewater treatment licensing question along with an explanation of the correct answer.

Sample question:

You notice stiff, white billowing foam on your aeration basin. What does this typically indicate?

A) Young sludge or startup conditions

B) Filamentous bulking condition

C) Older sludge or high MCRT condition

D) Insufficient aeration conditions

Answer: Stiff, white billowing foam typically indicates young sludge (low MCRT). It is found at startup or in underloaded plants. This indicates the MLSS is low and the F:M ratio is high. So, the correct answer is A.

About the author
Ricky Lallish is the Water Pollution Control, Program Director at the Environmental Resources Training Center of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He provides training for entry level operators in the wastewater field and operators throughout the state looking to further their education.