Final clarification: floc sinks to the bottom of the tank.
Final disinfection: water is exposed to UV light to destroy or disrupt pathogens.
Treated wastewater is released back into nature through a specially designed outfall pipe.
Term
Definition
Example Usage
Coagulation
Neutralizing particles suspended in water by adding chemicals to make them clump together.
During the drinking water treatment process, coagulation helps remove suspended particles from the water.
Flocculation
The process of allowing particles to clump together into larger masses called flocs.
Flocculation is an important step in the drinking water treatment process, as it helps remove suspended particles from the water.
Ozonation
The process of treating water with ozone gas to remove taste, odor, and other contaminants.
Ozonation is used in the drinking water treatment process to remove microscopic taste and odor causing agents from the water.
Filtration
The process of passing water through a filter to remove impurities.
Filtration is used in the drinking water treatment process to remove oxidized particles and contaminants from the water.
UV Treatment
The process of exposing water to ultraviolet light to destroy or disrupt pathogens.
UV treatment is used in the drinking water treatment process to destroy or disrupt pathogens and other microorganisms.
Headworks
A facility that removes large debris and heavier inorganic particles from incoming wastewater flow.
Headworks is the first step in the wastewater treatment process, where large debris and heavier inorganic particles are removed from the wastewater flow.
Grit Chamber
A facility that removes heavier gritty particles like sand, silt, and clay from wastewater.
The grit chamber is used in the wastewater treatment process to remove heavier gritty particles from the wastewater flow.
Primary Clarification
The process of separating organic matter from wastewater.
Primary clarification is the second step in the wastewater treatment process, where organic matter is separated from the wastewater flow.
Secondary Treatment
The process of using helpful microorganisms to consume biodegradable waste products.
Secondary treatment is the third step in the wastewater treatment process, where helpful microorganisms consume biodegradable waste products.
Final Disinfection
The process of exposing water to UV light to destroy or disrupt pathogens.
Final disinfection is the last step in the wastewater treatment process, where water is exposed to UV light to destroy or disrupt pathogens.
Vocabulary Quiz: City Water Purification Process
What does the term flocculation refer to in the water purification process?
The removal of heavy particles from water
The clumping together of particles suspended in water
The injection of ozone gas into water
The passage of water through ultraviolet lights
What is the purpose of the ozonation process in water treatment?
To remove heavy floc particles from water
To treat microscopic taste and odor causing agents
To destroy or disrupt pathogens in water
To remove organic matter from wastewater
What occurs during the sedimentation process in water treatment?
Heavy floc particles settle to the bottom of the tank
Water passes through activated carbon granules and microsand
Ozone gas bubbles are injected into water
Water is exposed to UV light to destroy pathogens
What is the purpose of the headworks in wastewater treatment?
To remove organic matter from wastewater
To consume biodegradable waste products
To remove large debris and heavier inorganic particles from incoming wastewater flow
To release treated wastewater into nature
What is the final step in wastewater treatment before it is released back into nature?
Primary clarification
Secondary treatment
Final disinfection
Final clarification
Answer Key
b) The clumping together of particles suspended in water
b) To treat microscopic taste and odor causing agents
a) Heavy floc particles settle to the bottom of the tank
c) To remove large debris and heavier inorganic particles from incoming wastewater flow
c) Final disinfection
The Use of the Passive Voice in Describing Processes
Explanation
The passive voice is often used to describe processes, especially in formal or technical writing, as it allows the focus to be on the action rather than the doer. In the provided text, the passive voice is used to describe the steps involved in the city water purification process and wastewater treatment. This creates a sense of objectivity and makes the text more formal and informative.
Grammar Quiz
Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete each sentence.
1. The water ____________________ (treat) with ozone gas bubbles to remove impurities.
A) is treating
B) is treated
C) treats
D) treat
2. The heavy floc particles ____________________ (settle) to the bottom of the tank during sedimentation.
A) settle
B) are settling
C) are settled
D) settles
3. The wastewater ____________________ (expose) to UV light to destroy or disrupt pathogens.
A) is exposed
B) exposes
C) expose
D) are exposed
4. The organic matter ____________________ (separate) from wastewater during primary clarification.
A) separates
B) is separated
C) separate
D) are separated
5. The water ____________________ (release) back into nature through a specially designed outfall pipe.
A) releases
B) is released
C) release
D) are released
Quiz Answer Key
1. B) is treated
2. C) are settled
3. A) is exposed
4. B) is separated
5. B) is released