Water Treatment Plant Operations Quiz! Trivia

1. The presence of coliform organisms in the water indicates the potential presence of pathogenic organisms in the water.

True

False

PG 544 4 a 2nd paragraph

Explanation

PG 544 4 a 2nd paragraph

2. A Representative sample must be collected in order for test results to have any significant meaning.

True

False

In order for test results to have any significant meaning, it is important to collect a representative sample. A representative sample is a subset of the population that accurately reflects the characteristics and diversity of the entire population. By collecting a representative sample, we can ensure that the test results are not biased and can be generalized to the larger population. Without a representative sample, the test results may not accurately represent the population, leading to unreliable and invalid conclusions. Therefore, it is true that a representative sample must be collected for test results to have any significant meaning.

Explanation

In order for test results to have any significant meaning, it is important to collect a representative sample. A representative sample is a subset of the population that accurately reflects the characteristics and diversity of the entire population. By collecting a representative sample, we can ensure that the test results are not biased and can be generalized to the larger population. Without a representative sample, the test results may not accurately represent the population, leading to unreliable and invalid conclusions. Therefore, it is true that a representative sample must be collected for test results to have any significant meaning.

3. The operator should verify the results of the coagulant dose jar test with visual observation of what is actually happening in the flocculation basin.

True

False

PG 568 H Right bottom.

Explanation

PG 568 H Right bottom.

4. Well pumps and casings can contribute to groundwater sample contamination.

True

False

PG 529 11.211 Groundwater.

Explanation

PG 529 11.211 Groundwater.

5. Water should be used to extinguish grease fires, electrical fires, and metal fires.

True

False

Water should not be used to extinguish grease fires, electrical fires, and metal fires because it can actually make the situation worse. Water can cause hot grease to splatter and spread the fire, it can conduct electricity and potentially electrocute the person attempting to put out the fire, and it can react with certain metals and create dangerous reactions. Therefore, it is important to use the appropriate extinguisher for each type of fire.

Explanation

Water should not be used to extinguish grease fires, electrical fires, and metal fires because it can actually make the situation worse. Water can cause hot grease to splatter and spread the fire, it can conduct electricity and potentially electrocute the person attempting to put out the fire, and it can react with certain metals and create dangerous reactions. Therefore, it is important to use the appropriate extinguisher for each type of fire.

6. Always pour acid into water, never the reverse.

True

False

When diluting acid with water, it is important to always pour the acid into the water and not the other way around. This is because pouring water into acid can cause a violent reaction, resulting in the acid splashing out and potentially causing harm. By pouring acid into water, the acid gets diluted gradually and reduces the risk of a dangerous reaction.

Explanation

When diluting acid with water, it is important to always pour the acid into the water and not the other way around. This is because pouring water into acid can cause a violent reaction, resulting in the acid splashing out and potentially causing harm. By pouring acid into water, the acid gets diluted gradually and reduces the risk of a dangerous reaction.

7. The collection of a bad sample or a bad laboratory result is about as useful as no result.

True

False

This statement suggests that obtaining a bad sample or a bad laboratory result is just as useless as not having any result at all. In other words, if the sample collected is of poor quality or the laboratory result is inaccurate or unreliable, it provides no valuable information or guidance. Therefore, the statement implies that having a bad sample or a bad laboratory result is equivalent to having no result at all, making the answer "True."

Explanation

This statement suggests that obtaining a bad sample or a bad laboratory result is just as useless as not having any result at all. In other words, if the sample collected is of poor quality or the laboratory result is inaccurate or unreliable, it provides no valuable information or guidance. Therefore, the statement implies that having a bad sample or a bad laboratory result is equivalent to having no result at all, making the answer "True."

8. How can water treatment plant operators obtain a good index of the degree of bacteriologic safety of water supply without testing for specific pathogenic microorganisms?

Analyzing the water for the presence of an "indicator organism," the coliform group of bacteria.

Conduct a consumer acceptance test

Issue boil water orders

Perform a safe drinking water test

PG 544

Explanation

PG 544

9. Why should corrosive materials never be poured down an ordinary sink or drain?

They can corrode away the drain pipe or trap

They can neutralize the contents of the drain pipe and trap

They can prevent toxic fumes from passing through the sewer system

They can release odors into the sewer system

PG 526

Explanation

PG 526

10. Any chlorine taste and odor that may result from chlorination would generally be from the dichloramine or nitrogen trichloride nuisance residuals.

True

False

Pg 539 Right side J 1

Explanation

Pg 539 Right side J 1

11. All coliforms found in the total coliform test come from human wastes.

True

False

PG 544 4 a 2nd paragraph

Explanation

PG 544 4 a 2nd paragraph

12. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14.

True

False

PG 570 7 a

Explanation

PG 570 7 a

13. What is the use of a flask?

To contain and mix chemicals

The membranes in the nose

The proper line of vision to read a liquid in a buret

The viscosity measurement of a liquid

PG 510

Explanation

PG 510

14. What is a chemical compound?

A substance composed of two or more different elements and whose composition is constant

A substance that cannot be separated into its constituent parts and sill retain its chemical identity

An organic substance that can cause or speed up chemical reactions

The smallest division of a compound that still retains or exhibits all the properties of the substance.

PG 508 11.02

Explanation

PG 508 11.02

15. What is a buffer?

A representative portion of a sample, often an equally divided portion of a sample

A solution or liquid whose chemical make up neutralizes acids or bases without a great change in pH

A sterile membrane that is free from the living germs of disease, fermentation, or putrefaction.

An organism that indicates the potential presence of a pathogen

pg 545

Explanation

pg 545

16. When performing a coliform test using the membrane filter method, what do the letters CFU stand for?

Cold formed unit

Colony formation unit

Correctly fertilized unit

Cubic fermentation unit

PG 556 - 6

Explanation

PG 556 - 6

17. The stronger the intensity of the acidity, the greater will be the pH.

True

False

PG 570 7 a

Explanation

PG 570 7 a

18. What is a representative sample?

A sample collected by a representative or typical sample collector.

A sample portion of material or water that is as nearly identical in content and consistency as possible to that in the larger body of material or water being sampled

A single sample of water collected at a particular time and place that represents the composition of the water only at that time and place.

An individual sample before it is combined with other samples in proportion to the rate of flow when the sample was collected

PG 528

Explanation

PG 528

19. Hazardous materials in the water treatment plant laboratory include which items?

Corrosive materials

Distilled water

Explosive materials

Flammable materials

Toxic materials

PG 522 11.16

Explanation

PG 522 11.16

Submit

20. Fires are classified as A, B, C, or D fires based on which item?

The extinguishing method available

The heat generated by the fire

The location of the fire

The type of material being consumed

PG 526

Explanation

PG 526

21. Having good laboratory equipment and using the correct methods are enough to ensure correct analytical results.

True

False

Having good laboratory equipment and using the correct methods are important factors in obtaining accurate analytical results, but they are not enough to ensure correct results. Other factors such as human error, contamination, sample handling, and calibration of instruments can also influence the accuracy of analytical results. Therefore, it is important to consider all these factors and implement quality control measures to ensure the correctness of analytical results.

Explanation

Having good laboratory equipment and using the correct methods are important factors in obtaining accurate analytical results, but they are not enough to ensure correct results. Other factors such as human error, contamination, sample handling, and calibration of instruments can also influence the accuracy of analytical results. Therefore, it is important to consider all these factors and implement quality control measures to ensure the correctness of analytical results.

22. The lead and copper rule calls for what types of samples?

Composite

First-draw or first-flush

Grab

Laboratory

PG 533 11.243

Explanation

PG 533 11.243

23. A Teflon stopcock on a buret frequently needs to be lubricated.

True

False

The statement is false because Teflon is a self-lubricating material and does not require additional lubrication. Teflon has a low coefficient of friction, which means that it has a smooth surface and can move easily without the need for lubrication. Therefore, a Teflon stopcock on a buret does not frequently need to be lubricated.

Explanation

The statement is false because Teflon is a self-lubricating material and does not require additional lubrication. Teflon has a low coefficient of friction, which means that it has a smooth surface and can move easily without the need for lubrication. Therefore, a Teflon stopcock on a buret does not frequently need to be lubricated.

24. Why should graduated cylinders never be heated in an open flame?

Because the heat will increase the rate of chemical reactions

Because the liquid will boil

Because they will break

Because toxic gas may be formed

PG 518

Explanation

PG 518

25. The Greater the intensity of scattered light, the lower the turbidity.

True

False

PG 9 A Right column top

Explanation

PG 9 A Right column top

26. Why do fire hydrants as sampling points give erratic (uneven) results?

Due to the difficulty in obtaining small flows to collect accurate samples

Due to the location of fire hydrants being dictated by fire protection standards

Due to the possibility of a fire developing during a sample collection session.

Due to the way they are constructed and their lack of use.

PG 529 11.213

Explanation

PG 529 11.213

27. How can operators obtain the necessary information to monitor the treatment processes and to ensure a safe and pleasant-tasting drinking water for all who use it?

By consulting with operators from nearby plants

By contacting regulatory agencies and verifying available information

By laboratory quality control tests

By walking thorough the plant and observing the performance of the treatment processes

PG 507 11.00

Explanation

PG 507 11.00

28. The graduated cylinder is used to measure volumes of liquid with an accuracy greater than burets but less than beakers or flasks.

True

False

The statement is false because graduated cylinders actually have a higher accuracy than beakers or flasks when it comes to measuring volumes of liquid. Burets, on the other hand, have a higher accuracy than graduated cylinders.

Explanation

The statement is false because graduated cylinders actually have a higher accuracy than beakers or flasks when it comes to measuring volumes of liquid. Burets, on the other hand, have a higher accuracy than graduated cylinders.

29. Which basic personal safety and hygiene rules must always be followed when working in a laboratory?

Always wear a lab coat or apron to protect your skin and clothes

Do not keep food in a refrigerator that is used for chemical or sample storage

Never work alone

Wear insulated gloves when handling hot objects

Wear protective goggles or eyeglasses at all times

PG 524 11.161

Explanation

PG 524 11.161

Submit

30. What are the jar tests designed to do?

To analytically test waters for chemical constituents

To contain or store water samples in a jar until tested

To precisely duplicate actual conditions in a water treatment facility.

To show the effectiveness of chemical treatment in a water treatment facility.

PG 567

Explanation

PG 567

31. Which factors can lead to poor quality of laboratory data?

Calculation mistakes

Computer crashes

Deteriorated reagents and standards

Poorly operating instruments

Sloppy laboratory technique

PG 521 11.15

Explanation

PG 521 11.15

Submit

32. Why is the geometric mean sometimes used to describe the results of MPN ( most probable number) tests?

It is easiest to calculate on an electronic calculator

It is the only way to summarize with a single MPN value the results from a series of samples.

It is the values that is best understood by most engineers

It most nearly describes most of the MPNs when there are a few very large values that would distort the mean.

PG 555

Explanation

PG 555

33. How do operators use the results of turbidity testing?

To detect problems in coagulation and sedimentation

To evaluate pH levels

To recognize changes in raw water quality

To test alkalinity concentrations

To troubleshoot filtration problems

PG 572

Explanation

PG 572

Submit

34. What are the greatest sources of errors in laboratory tests?

Failure to communicate testing procedures to management

Improper sampling

Lack of enough mixing during testing

Poor application of safety procedures

Poor sampling preservation

PG 528

Explanation

PG 528

Submit

35. Which precautions should be considered when measuring the turbidity of water?

Discard scratched or etched sample tubes

Fill the tubes with samples and standards that have been agitated thoroughly, and allow sufficient time for bubbles to escape.

Sample tubes must be kept scrupulously clean, both inside and out

Turbidity of a sample an change after the sample is collected and shaking the sample will not re-create the original turbidity.

Turbidity should be measured in a sample as soon as possible to obtain accurate results.

PG 574

Explanation

PG 574

Submit

36. Which precautions should be considered when measuring the chlorine residual?

For accurate results, careful pH control is essential

If nitrogen trichloride or chlorine dioxide are present, special procedures are necessary

If the sample contains oxidized manganese, an inhibitor must be used.

Operators using the DPD colorimetric method need to be aware of the potential error of a "false positive" chlorine residual reading

Samples should be analyzed as soon as possible after collection.

PG 539

Explanation

PG 539

Submit

37. By relating laboratory results to treatment operations, the water treatment operator can perform which tasks?

Accurately record laboratory test results

Determine the efficiency of the treatment processes

Develop a clear understanding of laboratory procedures

Identify potential problems before they affect finished water quality

Select the most effective operational procedures.

PG 507 11.00

Explanation

PG 507 11.00

Submit

38. Which precautions should be considered when measuring the alkalinity of a water sample?

The sample pH should be titrated to neutral before analysis

The sample should be analyzed as soon as possible

The sample should be heated to the temperature of the lab room before analysis

The sample should be vigorously mixed before analysis

The sample should not be agitated, warmed, filtered, diluted, concentrated, or altered in any way.

PG 537

Explanation

PG 537

Submit

39. PH plays an important role in which water treatment processes?

Coagulation

Corrosion control

Disinfection

Filtration

Softening

PG 570

Explanation

PG 570

Submit

40. The chlorine demand of water varies with which factors?

Alkalinity

Amount of chlorine applied

Length of contact time

PH

Temperature

PG 541

Explanation

PG 541

Submit

41. Obtaining good results from laboratory water testing depends to a great extent upon which factors?

Ensuring that the sample taken is truly representative of the water under consideration.

Following safe laboratory and sample collection procedures

Protecting and preserving the samples until they are analyzed

Recording data on an approved laboratory spreadsheet

Using proper sampling techniques

PG 528 11.20

Explanation

PG 528 11.20

Submit

42. Which water quality indicators may chance with time? Needs verified

Coliform bacteria

Dissolved gases

PH

Residual chlorine

Tempurature

The water quality indicators that may change with time are pH, residual chlorine, and temperature. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is, and it can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as the presence of certain minerals or the activity of microorganisms. Residual chlorine, which is added to water as a disinfectant, can also decrease over time as it reacts with organic matter or is exposed to sunlight. Temperature can vary depending on external factors such as weather conditions or the time of day.

Explanation

The water quality indicators that may change with time are pH, residual chlorine, and temperature. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is, and it can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as the presence of certain minerals or the activity of microorganisms. Residual chlorine, which is added to water as a disinfectant, can also decrease over time as it reacts with organic matter or is exposed to sunlight. Temperature can vary depending on external factors such as weather conditions or the time of day.

Submit

43. Which test can be performed to improve the jar test and interpretation of the results?

Alkalinity (before and after)

Corrosivity (before and after)

Filtered turbidity of the supernatant

PH (before and after)

Turbidity of the supernatant (before and after)

The correct answer is a combination of multiple tests that can be performed to improve the jar test and interpretation of the results. These tests include measuring the alkalinity before and after the test, as well as the pH before and after. Additionally, the filtered turbidity of the supernatant and the turbidity of the supernatant before and after the test can also be measured. These tests provide valuable information about the water sample and help in determining the effectiveness of the treatment process.

Explanation

The correct answer is a combination of multiple tests that can be performed to improve the jar test and interpretation of the results. These tests include measuring the alkalinity before and after the test, as well as the pH before and after. Additionally, the filtered turbidity of the supernatant and the turbidity of the supernatant before and after the test can also be measured. These tests provide valuable information about the water sample and help in determining the effectiveness of the treatment process.

Submit

44. What is a meniscus?

The curve of the surface of a liquid

The membranes in the nose

The proper line of vision to read a liquid in a buret

The viscosity measurement of a liquid

PG 518

Explanation

PG 518

Submit

45. Which items are required in order to prevent bad laboratory results?

Accurate spreadsheets for recording laboratory results