Welcome back to TPO magazine's Exam Study Guide Series, which offers a pair of water/wastewater study questions with in-depth explanations of the answers. Last time, we covered a set of wastewater and drinking water treatment questions on the topics of MPN Testing and Water Distribution System Layout. This time you can test your knowledge about dewatering polymer selection and granular activated carbon filter backwash rate.
Wastewater Treatment Sample Question
When selecting a polymer for dewatering on a belt-filter press, what performance requirement should be conducted before making a choice of polymers?
A. Time-to-filter test
B. pH and acidity analysis
C. Jar test
D. Emulsion standards analysis
Water Treatment Sample Question
The backwash rate for a granular activated carbon filter should be sufficient enough to achieve a bed expansion of about ________ percent.
A. 15
B. 30
C. 50
D. 75
To see answers for both of the above questions, click this link.
About the authors: Rick Lallish is the Water Pollution Control program director at the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) 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. Lallish was also named the 2017 Illinois Operator of the Year and 2018 president of the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators.
Drew Hoelscher is the program director of drinking water operations at the Environmental Resources Training Center in Edwardsville, Illinois.
