New York Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade 1 Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary purpose of a wastewater treatment plant?
- Generate electricity
- Remove pollutants from wastewater
- Provide drinking water
- Store industrial chemicals
Answer: B
Rationale: The main goal of a wastewater treatment plant is to remove
physical, chemical, and biological contaminants from sewage before releasing it into the environment. 1 / 4
- Which of the following is considered a physical method of wastewater
- Activated sludge process
- Chlorination
- Screening
- Biological nutrient removal
treatment?
Answer: C
Rationale: Screening is a physical process that removes large solids from
wastewater.
3. In wastewater terminology, BOD stands for:
- Biological Oxygen Demand
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand
- Basic Oxidation Degree
- Biochemical Oxidation Demand
Answer: B
Rationale: BOD measures the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms
to decompose organic matter in water.
- Which of the following units removes grit from incoming wastewater?
- Sedimentation tank
- Clarifier
- Grit chamber
- Aeration basin
Answer: C 2 / 4
Rationale: Grit chambers slow water flow to allow sand, gravel, and other
heavy particles to settle out.
5. The first step in wastewater treatment is usually:
- Tertiary treatment
- Biological treatment
- Preliminary treatment
- Disinfection
Answer: C
Rationale: Preliminary treatment removes large debris and materials that
could damage equipment.
- Which microorganism is commonly used in activated sludge processes?
- Escherichia coli
- Salmonella
- Bacteria
- Protozoa
Answer: C
Rationale: Bacteria are the primary decomposers in the activated sludge
process, breaking down organic matter.
- What is the function of a primary clarifier?
- Remove dissolved nutrients
- Settle suspended solids
- Filter bacteria
- Aerate wastewater 3 / 4
Answer: B
Rationale: Primary clarifiers allow suspended solids to settle out of the
wastewater by gravity.
- What is the typical temperature range for activated sludge aeration
tanks?
A. 0–10°C
B. 15–25°C
C. 30–40°C
D. 50–60°C
Answer: B
Rationale: The optimal range for microbial activity in aeration tanks is
generally 15–25°C.
- Which of the following best describes sludge?
- Water filtered for drinking
- Settled solids from wastewater treatment
- Chlorinated effluent
- Grit removed from wastewater
Answer: B
Rationale: Sludge consists of solids collected from primary or secondary
treatment processes.
- What is the purpose of a secondary clarifier?
- Remove grit
- Separate biological floc from treated wastewater
- / 4