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 Oxidation Ditch Detention Time and Liquid Chlorine Storage. This time you can test your knowledge about membrane bioreactors and chlorine byproducts.
Wastewater Treatment Sample Question
When operating a membrane bioreactor (MBR), what is the difference between fouling and clogging, when troubleshooting the process?
A. There is no difference between the two problems.
B. Fouling is the condition of inhibited bio-growth on the membrane, and clogging is the opposite problem.
C. Fouling on an MBR is inhibited permeation of water thru the membrane, and clogging is found in the clarifier.
D. Fouling is excessive bio-growth on the membranes, and clogging is inorganic material on the membranes.
Water Treatment Sample Question
Which one is a byproduct of chlorine reacting with total organic carbon?
A. Dichloramine
B. Dichloroacetic acid
C. Hypochlorous acid
D. Polyfluoroalkyl
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 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.
