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 Types of WWTP Processes and Gravity Filters. This time you can test your knowledge about odor control and repeat sampling for bacteria contamination.
Wastewater Treatment Sample Question
When referring to odors and odor control in wastewater treatment, what is the definition of odor threshold?
A. When the odor has reached a point you can longer tolerate
B. The highest concentration at which the compound can be detected by human smell
C. The lowest concentration at which the compound can be detected by human smell
D. When the concentration meets the point of olfactory depravation
Water Treatment Sample Question
For bacteria contamination, repeat samples are required to be collected:
A. Within 24 hours of being notified
B. Within 30 hours of being notified
C. Within 48 hours of being notified
D. Anytime, as long as it is within the same monitoring month
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.