Water Treatment Plant Operator Volume 2 Chapter 12

Iron bacteria are microorganisms that thrive in water and can cause problems in distribution systems. One effective method to eliminate iron bacteria is by implementing a flushing program. Flushing involves releasing a large volume of water through the system, which helps to remove and clean out any accumulated bacteria. Therefore, the statement is true as a flushing program can effectively rid a distribution system of iron bacteria.

If the water to be treated contains no oxygen, both iron and manganese may be removed by ion exchange using the same resins that are used for water softening. This is because ion exchange resins are capable of removing both iron and manganese ions from water. The absence of oxygen does not affect the ability of ion exchange resins to remove these contaminants. Therefore, it is true that both iron and manganese can be removed using the same resins used for water softening.

Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning it can cause the oxidation of other substances. In this case, it will oxidize manganese to form insoluble manganese dioxide, and it will also oxidize iron to form insoluble ferric hydroxide. Therefore, the statement is true.

Chlorine should never be fed ahead of polyphosphate to oxidize iron and manganese because chlorine can react with polyphosphate, causing it to break down and lose its effectiveness in preventing the formation of iron and manganese deposits. By feeding chlorine ahead of polyphosphate, the polyphosphate will not be able to properly coat the iron and manganese particles, leading to potential issues with water quality and the formation of deposits. Therefore, it is important to avoid feeding chlorine ahead of polyphosphate in order to maintain the desired water treatment results.

The statement suggests that injecting a potassium permanganate solution into the volute of a pump in certain plants will result in complete mixing of the solution. This means that the potassium permanganate will be evenly distributed throughout the pump, ensuring effective treatment or dispersion of the solution. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that this statement is correct.

Samples should be collected as close to the well or other source as possible in order to accurately analyze for iron and manganese. This is because the concentration of these elements can vary throughout the distribution system, so collecting samples at the source ensures a more representative analysis.

This statement is true because using water from a home water softener can help prevent the formation of calcium carbonate coatings on poppet valves. Water softeners remove minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for the formation of calcium carbonate deposits. By using softened water, the hypochlorite solution will be free from these minerals and therefore less likely to form coatings on the valves.

Iron and manganese are commonly found in water systems supplied by wells and springs. These elements can dissolve from the surrounding rocks and soil into the groundwater, leading to higher concentrations in well and spring water compared to other water sources. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Allowing a back siphon condition to develop in a distribution system is not recommended. A back siphon occurs when there is a negative pressure in the system, causing water to flow backwards, potentially contaminating the water supply. Backflow prevention devices are installed in distribution systems to prevent back siphonage and protect the water supply from contamination. Therefore, the statement is false, and it is important to prevent back siphon conditions in a distribution system.

The most important piece of equipment in an iron and manganese removal plant is the filter. This is because the filter is responsible for removing the iron and manganese particles from the water. It works by passing the water through a medium that can trap and remove these contaminants. Without a filter, the iron and manganese would not be effectively removed, resulting in poor water quality. The clarifier is used to separate solids from liquids, the comminutor is used to grind or shred solids, and the mixer is used to mix chemicals or substances. While these pieces of equipment may be important in the overall treatment process, they are not specifically designed to remove iron and manganese.

Agitating greensand with an air wash or an air water wash helps to maintain a free, loose, and fluid condition of the filter media. This is beneficial because it prevents the greensand from becoming compacted or clumped together, which could reduce its effectiveness in filtering out impurities. By keeping the greensand in a loose and fluid state, it ensures that water can flow through it easily, allowing for efficient filtration.

Iron oxidation basins must be covered to prevent contamination from rain, stormwater runoff, rodents, and insects. These external factors can introduce impurities and bacteria into the basin, affecting the oxidation process and the quality of the water being treated. By keeping the basins covered, the risk of contamination is minimized, ensuring that the water remains clean and safe for further treatment or distribution. Additionally, covering the basins also helps to prevent evaporation losses, ensuring that the water levels in the basin remain stable and sufficient for the oxidation process.

Iron and manganese are essential minerals that our bodies need in small amounts. While excessive intake of these minerals can be harmful, there are no direct adverse health effects from drinking water that contains normal levels of iron or manganese. In fact, both minerals are commonly found in drinking water and are not considered harmful. However, high levels of iron or manganese in water can affect its taste, odor, and appearance, which may be undesirable but not directly harmful to health. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Surface waters are generally free from both iron and manganese because these elements react with dissolved oxygen to form insoluble compounds. When iron and manganese come into contact with oxygen in water, they undergo oxidation and form solid particles that are not soluble. These particles then settle down and are removed from the surface water, resulting in low levels of iron and manganese.

Iron tests must be made on water entering a filter to be sure the iron is in the ferric state. This is because ferric iron is insoluble and can be effectively removed by filtration. If the iron is in the ferrous state, it may not be effectively removed by filtration and can cause staining and other issues. Therefore, testing the iron state is important to ensure the effectiveness of the filtration process.

When iron bacteria form thick slimes on the walls of distribution system mains, the iron in the slimes gives them a rust color. This is because iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water, forming iron oxide, commonly known as rust. Therefore, the slimes appear to be rust-colored due to the presence of iron in them.

Chlorine is usually fed along with polyphosphate when controlling iron and manganese in water to prevent the growth of iron bacteria. Iron bacteria are microorganisms that thrive in environments with high levels of iron. They can cause issues such as clogged pipes, foul odors, and slime build-up. Chlorine is a disinfectant that helps kill bacteria, while polyphosphate helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria by forming a protective coating on the surfaces of pipes and plumbing fixtures. By using both chlorine and polyphosphate, the growth of iron bacteria can be effectively prevented, ensuring the water remains clean and free from bacterial contamination.

Potassium and permanganate remove iron and manganese from water by forming insoluble oxides. This means that when potassium and permanganate come into contact with iron and manganese in water, they cause a chemical reaction that results in the formation of oxides that are insoluble, or not able to dissolve in water. These insoluble oxides then precipitate out of the water, effectively removing the iron and manganese.

The given statement is false because the higher the pH, the faster the time required for aeration to oxidize iron. This is because a higher pH indicates a more alkaline environment, which promotes the oxidation of iron. In contrast, a lower pH, indicating a more acidic environment, slows down the oxidation process. Therefore, the correct answer is false, as higher pH levels actually decrease the time required for aeration to oxidize iron.

The available methods to control iron and manganese in water include using an alternate source of water, oxidizing the contaminants through aeration, using permanganate for oxidation, treating with phosphate, and removing the contaminants through ion exchange. These methods can help to reduce the levels of iron and manganese in water, improving its quality and making it safe for consumption.

The settled precipitates from a continuous regeneration greensand process can be disposed of in a sanitary sewer or sent to a drying bed. Disposing of them in a sanitary sewer ensures that the waste is properly treated and does not harm the environment. Sending them to a drying bed allows for further drying and solidification of the precipitates before disposal. Both methods are safe and environmentally friendly ways to handle the waste generated from the process.

Sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, and sulfur dioxide can be used as reducing agents to dechlorinate water when chlorine is used as an oxidizing agent. These substances have the ability to react with chlorine and convert it into a less harmful form, thereby removing the chlorine from the water.

The rate of iron oxidation when oxidizing iron using aeration is influenced by organic substances, pH, and temperature. Organic substances can act as catalysts and increase the rate of oxidation. pH affects the solubility of iron and the reaction rate, with higher pH values promoting faster oxidation. Temperature also plays a role, as higher temperatures generally result in faster reactions.

Pre-treatment is necessary before a continuous regeneration manganese greensand plant to oxidize and remove iron and sulfide. Iron and sulfide are common contaminants found in water sources, and they can cause issues such as discoloration, odor, and taste. The manganese greensand plant utilizes a process called oxidation to convert the iron and sulfide into insoluble forms that can be easily removed from the water. This pre-treatment step ensures that the greensand plant operates efficiently and effectively in removing these contaminants from the water supply.

Greensand filters are different from conventional filters in several ways. Firstly, the backwash rate in greensand filters is lower, meaning that less water is required to clean the filter. Secondly, the filtration rate in greensand filters is slower, allowing for more thorough filtration. Additionally, the sand used in greensand filters is finer than the sand used in conventional filters, resulting in better filtration and clearer effluent color. These differences contribute to a shorter run time for greensand filters compared to conventional filters.

Operators should look for the following kinds of trouble when troubleshooting manganese greensand filters: excessive pressure drop across the bed immediately after backwashing, filter effluent that is clear but has a higher manganese level than the raw water, and water quality that is good on some units but bad on other units in multiple unit installations. These issues indicate potential problems with the filter's performance and can help operators identify and address any issues with manganese removal.