Specialist Practice Exam Questions And

Industrial Waste Treatment Process Specialist Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary goal of industrial waste treatment?

a) Increase production output

b) Reduce labor costs

c) Protect the environment and public health

d) Improve plant efficiency

Rationale: The main goal is to prevent pollution and minimize health risks by

treating waste before discharge.

• Which law primarily regulates industrial wastewater discharge in the

United States?

a) Safe Drinking Water Act 1 / 4

b) Clean Water Act

c) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

d) CERCLA

Rationale: The Clean Water Act sets limits for pollutant discharges into U.S.

waters.

3. The term “pretreatment” in wastewater treatment refers to:

a) Final polishing of effluent

b) Chlorination

c) Removal of solids or pollutants before biological treatment

• pH adjustment at discharge

Rationale: Pretreatment prevents damage or interference with downstream

biological processes.

• Which device measures flow rate in an open channel?

a) Pitot tube

b) Venturi meter

c) Parshall flume

d) Rotameter

Rationale: A Parshall flume is standard for accurate open-channel flow

measurement.

• / 4

5. The best indicator of organic pollution in wastewater is:

a) Total solids

• pH

c) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

d) Nitrate concentration

Rationale: BOD quantifies biodegradable organic material through oxygen

demand.

• What does COD measure?

a) Biological activity

b) Suspended solids

c) Chemically oxidizable material in water

d) Nitrogen content

Rationale: Chemical Oxygen Demand measures all oxidizable material, both

biodegradable and nonbiodegradable.

7. A pH of 2 in waste indicates:

a) Alkaline waste

b) Strongly acidic waste

c) Neutral waste

d) Basic salt solution

Rationale: pH values below 7 are acidic; 2 is extremely acidic. 3 / 4

• Which process removes suspended solids by gravity?

a) Filtration

b) Aeration

c) Sedimentation

d) Neutralization

Rationale: Sedimentation allows heavier particles to settle out of

suspension.

9. Sludge thickening increases:

a) Solids volume

b) Solids concentration

c) Water content

d) Dissolved oxygen

Rationale: Thickening reduces the liquid portion, concentrating the solids.

10. The main objective of biological treatment is to:

a) Remove dissolved minerals

b) Adjust pH

c) Degrade organic matter using microorganisms

d) Kill pathogens

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