Kentucky Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Practice Exam

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• Which grit removal type causes flow to spiral so grit settles?
• Where on a pump curve is the Best Efficiency Point typically located?
• A composite sample is defined as what?
• Bar screens remove what?
• Which of the following describes a grab sample?
• Chlorine disinfection is most effective at what pH level?
• How is O2 added to aerobic ponds?
• Which statement about preserved samples is true?
• Which term describes the binding to a surface rather than absorption?
• Overfeeding SO2 causes DO?
• Which flow measurement device is commonly described as the most common type for flow measurement?
• What does pH measure in a solution?
• Which type of flume is most common for measuring flow?
• What preservative is added to samples to adjust the pH to less than 2?
• Which acid is used to preserve metal samples?
• Ethics includes which of the following duties?
• What is the monthly average limit for fecal coliform?
• How are new cells produced in the activated sludge process?
• What plugs the space between the impeller and the casing?
• Open channel flow is characterized by the water surface being open to the atmosphere.
• What is the typical sludge concentration before digestion?
• What describes fixed film or attached growth reactors?
• In the population loading example, what is the influent volume?
• How many ppm alkalinity are required to convert 1 ppm nitrates to nitrogen?
• In extended aeration systems, the oxygen demand per pound of BOD removed is approximately how many pounds of O2?
• Compared to chlorine (Cl2), ozone disinfects at a faster rate.
• Supernatant is the term for which portion of the wastewater after solids have settled?
• In an SBR cycle, which stage follows the Fill stage?
• Which feature is associated with an oxidation ditch?
• Which statement is a design characteristic of an aerobic digester?
• A wastewater operator with a facility capacity of less than 50,000 gpd and 12 continuing education units (CEUs) belongs to which class?
• What is the overall process that turns ammonia into nitrates and eventually nitrogen gas?
• Which unit is used for fecal coliform and E. coli counts in water samples?
• Diffusion refers to which process in the context of oxygen in water?
• Which parameter measures the oxygen required to break down the organic material in a given volume of water through aerobic biological activity?
• Absorption refers to which process in the notes?
• Which of the following is not listed as a stage in the biological growth cycle?
• In pond detention time, which range indicates algae growth?
• An aliquot is:
• During settling, which items should be checked?
• The statement 'Sludge from the primary clarifier is removed only one time a day' is true.
• In anaerobic ponds, treatment depends on which conditions?
• Ozone disinfects at about how many times faster than chlorine?
• Two-stage digestion combines a standard-rate stage followed by a high-rate stage.
• What are the three stages of standard anaerobic digestion?
• Anaerobic bacteria are:
• Which term defines the mean time bacteria spend in the activated sludge process?
• Which term describes sludge that floats rather than settles in secondary sewage treatment?
• What should be monitored to ensure screens operate effectively?
• Which condition is not listed as a cause of filamentous growth?
• In fixed film reactors, where do bacteria primarily grow?
• Which term describes the solids that settle out and form sludge in primary treatment?
• Alkalinity is defined as:
• If 150 ppm BOD is removed, how much nitrogen and phosphorus are required based on the ideal ratio?
• In pump design, which component has an impeller?
• Which grit removal type uses air injection to create spiral flow?
• Absorption is defined as which of the following?
• Detritus is best described as which of the following?
• How often is CL2 calibrated according to the limits?
• Which statement describes respiration in cellular metabolism?
• Which factors affect settling?
• Which pollutant is NOT listed as conventional?
• Which term refers to a solid product produced by wastewater treatment that can be recycled?
• How many stages does anaerobic digestion have?
• Headworks may include components such as bar racks, comminutors, a wet well, and pumps. Which option lists the full combination commonly included at headworks?
• What is the minimum detention time (DT) required for chlorine disinfection?
• How does temperature affect nitrification rates according to the notes?
• Which component provides a water seal connection in a pump packing?
• Which gas is listed as a toxic product of anaerobic digestion?
• Which temperature range corresponds to mesophilic bacteria?
• Per person phosphorus addition in pounds per day is approximately:
• A solution that minimizes changes in pH when acids or bases are added.
• The acid/alkalinity ratio during good digestion should be less than which value?
• Which statement best describes young sludge in the activated sludge process?
• What provides water seal connection?
• Which device is described as the simplest and least expensive flow measurement option?
• The four common disinfectants listed include which combination?
• Sludge age is defined as lbs MLSS in basin divided by lbs TSS influent. Which statement is true?
• In activated sludge operations, what is the effect of wasting more sludge?
• What is the nitrogen population equivalent value per day?
• Three classifications of ponds?
• CEUs stands for what?
• What is a typical sludge age requirement for effective nitrification/denitrification?
• MLSS stands for what?
• What is adsorption?
• What is the effect of a Low F/M ratio on sludge production?
• Aeration is defined as which of the following?
• A flow proportional sample is defined as:
• Which statement describes the activated sludge process?
• What is considered the best acid/alkalinity ratio for digestion?
• An instantaneous grab sample is typically described as:
• What are the chlorine (CL2) regulatory values and calibration frequency as given?
• What is the purpose of CEUs in operator certification?
• Which type of bacteria is defined as requiring oxygen to grow?
• Slug loads refer to
• Describe a step feed influent scheme.
• Bacteria are defined as:
• Total Suspended Solids are solids that:
• What does saturated mean in the context of dissolved oxygen in water?
• What type of bacteria is used to feed on BOD in the activated sludge process?
• What are the environmental and cost advantages of using peracetic acid (PAA) for disinfection?
• Sulfur dioxide is considered immediately dangerous at?
• What is the proper nutrient ratio for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus?
• SOUR stands for which term?
• What is the CL2 IDHL value?
• What is the ideal nutrient ratio for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the given guidelines?
• Which activated sludge treatment type uses a short-term contact tank followed by a clarifier, with return sludge going to a stabilization tank?
• Which item is NOT a suspended growth process?
• In aerated lagoons, which items should be monitored daily?
• Which statement best describes aerobic digestion?
• What operational action helps control TSS in an aeration basin?
• Which of the following is NOT a common method for measuring wastewater flow?
• New cells are produced through which process?
• Which type has an impeller?
• A common drawback of extended aeration systems is what?
• A weir is defined as which of the following components used to calculate flow rate?
• What is the sulfur dioxide IDHL value?
• Activated carbon is used in tertiary treatment with a detention time (DT) range of
• In an activated sludge system, settled sludge is typically what?
• What is the recommended dissolved oxygen range during nitrification/denitrification?
• Recirculation involves what action in wastewater treatment?
• Zoogloeal mass is most typically observed in which unit process?
• Which factor is not listed as an 'other factor' affecting activated sludge?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a pump type in the material?
• The notes indicate a chlorine dose of 9 ppm for each 1 ppm of ammonia. Which statement best describes this ratio?
• Which statement correctly defines ‘aerobes’?
• Which statement best describes anaerobic ponds?
• What is the breakpoint range for secondary wastewater?
• What is a defining characteristic of a sequence batch reactor (SBR)?
• What distinguishes extended aeration from conventional activated sludge?
• Which statement best describes BOD in the notes?
• Which method is used to mitigate inflow and infiltration in the collection system?
• Which statement describes a UV disadvantage?
• Which class corresponds to a facility capacity of 50,000 to 2,000,000 gpd with 12 CEUs?
• Which statement correctly differentiates absorption and adsorption?
• Which term refers to a primarily organic solid product produced by wastewater treatment processes that can be beneficially recycled?
• Which device is used to grind solids to about 0.3 cm or smaller before treatment?
• Which statement best distinguishes sludge age from MCRT?
• For deep cell facultative lagoons, what is the typical depth distribution?
• List cycles of SBR.
• Whole effluent toxicity belongs to which pollutant category?
• What is the desired dissolved oxygen (DO) level in aerobic ponds?
• What is the maximum value in the breakpoint range for secondary wastewater?
• What dissolved oxygen concentration range is generally required for microorganisms in wastewater treatment?
• Which of the following compounds is chlorine dioxide?
• Which term best describes activated sludge?
• Which industry is listed as a source of industrial wastewater?
• What is recommended when starting operation of ponds?
• An anaerobic process is described as:
• Anoxic conditions are defined as:
• Only the BOD required to remove carbon.
• Which pollutant category includes nitrogen and phosphorus?
• What does preliminary treatment remove?
• Which is a design characteristic used to evaluate an aerobic digester's performance?
• How much oxygen per day per person is typically needed by the biological community in wastewater treatment (BOD concept)?
• What is the minimum recommended dissolved oxygen concentration in the aeration basin?
• What are the typical discharge limits for phosphorus? (average and max)
• Which chemical is Peracetic Acid abbreviated as PAA?
• Two-stage anaerobic digestion involves which sequence?
• The mass of bugs in the system is referred to as what?
• What is a key characteristic of sequential batch reactors (SBRs)?
• Flow meters should be read?
• Which of the following is a cause for noisy pumps?
• Phosphorus can be removed by which methods?
• In the aeration tank of an activated sludge process, the mixture of activated sludge with primary effluent or raw wastewater and return sludge is called what, as long as it remains in the aeration tank?
• Chlorine is categorized as which pollutant type?
• Conservative pollutants in wastewater are generally characterized by?
• Which device is commonly used to measure electrical parameters in equipment?
• Which statement best describes the Parshall flume?
• Which item is commonly included on the label of a sample container?
• Which class corresponds to a facility capacity of 2,000,000 to 7,500,000 gpd with 24 CEUs?
• Which statement about lagoon maintenance is true?
• What is sodium nitrate used for in ponds?
• What F/M ratio is listed as best?
• Where does the sludge primarily come from in this process?
• What is the required oxygen content for the process described?
• To what concentration does sludge in the primary clarifier settle?
• In Kentucky, discharges are regulated under which system?
• Which statement best describes an air lift pump?
• What is the principal mechanism by which activated carbon removes contaminants?
• Which processes are considered suspended growth biological treatment methods?
• At what volatile acid to alkalinity ratio does an anaerobic digester become stressed?
• How much oxygen can 1 lb of algae growth produce?
• During the growth cycle, the population can double approximately every how long?
• Which of the following is listed as an 'other factor' affecting activated sludge performance?
• Which type of digester has the longest detention time (DT)?
• Which term refers to the total mass of organisms in a given area or volume?
• In the notes, what does the F/M ratio measure?
• What is the maximum monthly count for E. coli?
• Advanced waste treatment is defined as which?
• In analytical testing, what describes the sample in which no analyte is added?
• Which temperature range is most commonly used for anaerobic digesters?
• In which season should MLSS be higher?
• Do criminal and civil penalties exist for violations of wastewater regulations?
• What is the most common disinfectant used in water treatment?
• During good digestion, what is the typical alkalinity range?
• At what acid/alkalinity ratio does failure occur and pH drop?
• Which gas is produced by anaerobic digestion and is toxic?
• What is the total phosphorus range typically found in wastewater?
• Which of the following describes a step-feed influent scheme?
• Fry fish cannot tolerate more than which concentration of chlorine?
• What term describes chemicals used to cover unpleasant smells in wastewater facilities?
• What are the two basic propeller pump types?
• Disinfection of water by the addition of small amounts of chlorine or a chlorine compound.
• Which flow measurement device uses the depth of flow to determine discharge?
• What does TOC stand for and how is it measured?
• Polishing ponds provide which stage of treatment?
• Is there residual with UV?
• Which nitrogen form is used as a parameter in wastewater analysis for nitrogen content?
• Which term refers to bacteria that do not require oxygen to survive?
• Which term is the biological wastewater treatment process accelerated by aeration?
• Which item on the sample container label helps identify when the sample was collected?
• What is the methane explosion range in air?
• How long does a sour digester typically take to recover?
• For ammonia removal by denitrification, approximately how many pounds of O2 are required?
• The V-notch weir is particularly suited for measuring what type of flow?
• What characteristic is associated with peracetic acid disinfection?
• Which statement best describes a facultative pond?
• Which phosphate treatment scheme achieves the highest efficiency and also removes suspended solids?
• What is the stated goal regarding sludge and BOD removal?
• What alkalinity is roughly required to convert 1 mg/L of ammonia to nitrate?
• Which entity administers the NPDES program at the federal level?
• What are the three ways pumps are classified?
• Rotating biological contactors (RBC) operate with what basic arrangement?
• Which statement about pH is correct?
• Activated sludge typically has what percentage of microbes in the sludge?
• Which of the following is a cause for reduced pump discharge?
• What is the preferred dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration range in the activated sludge process?
• What is the proper pH range for activated sludge operation?
• What is the effect of operating at a very low F/M on sludge production?
• DO concentration in the sludge process is typically maintained within which range?
• Which of the following accurately lists the four most common disinfectants used in water treatment?
• According to the material, certificate renewal expires on which date?
• Grit removal general purpose?
• What plugs space between impeller and casing?
• What is the detention time (DT) for a primary clarifier?
• What is the ideal pH range for nitrification/denitrification processes?
• How many pounds per day per person of nitrogen are added?
• What is the daily maximum limit for chlorine (CL2) in mg/L?
• Which is NOT listed as a factor affecting settling?
• Which statement best describes algae?
• Which statement about UV safety is true?
• Which statement best defines an acid?
• Eutrophication refers to nutrient enrichment that leads to what?
• Flumes are used to measure flow in what type of channel?
• Mean Cell Residence Time (MCRT) is defined as what?
• Adsorption refers to which process?
• The point on a pump curve where efficiency is maximized is called what?
• UV not effective in turbid water is a true statement. Which option best reflects this?
• Which flow measurement method uses a float to determine flow rate?
• Organic overloading of an anaerobic digester will cause the pH to do what?
• During daytime photosynthesis, DO and pH will?
• Which statement best describes the advantage of composite samples over grab samples?
• Formation and collapse of gas bubbles due to low pressure; can cause pitting and noise.
• Which pollutant is classified as conventional?
• At a detention time of 60 days, what removal efficiencies are typical?
• Under the Clean Water Act, what is required to discharge pollutants into waters of the United States?
• Which statement best describes chlorine disinfection efficiency relative to pH?
• MLSS stands for which phrase?
• Which metric is commonly used to evaluate digestion effectiveness in terms solids reduction?
• Dark, greasy-looking foam in the aeration basin is commonly associated with which condition?
• Activated sludge is produced by which process?
• Freeboard is defined as what?
• A shock load is defined as what?
• Which term describes bacteria converting nitrates to nitrogen gas?
• Filamentous growth in activated sludge is usually caused by which condition?
• What is the daily maximum chlorine limit value in mg/L?
• What is the main purpose of mechanical aeration?
• Detritus is best described as heavy coarse grit in wastewater. Which option reflects that description?
• At 180 days DT, what removals are typical?
• Discharged phosphorus can cause eutrophication.
• What happens during the log phase of growth according to the notes?
• Which range represents the organic nitrogen content in wastewater?
• Which pond type is used in series after secondary treatment to provide tertiary treatment?
• Ponding on trickling filters occurs when voids become plugged, reducing water passage. This is typically due to which condition?
• What is the recommended maximum sludge depth to prevent septic conditions?
• What is the primary clarifier?
• Is UV harmful?
• Activated sludge consists of which organisms and what factors affect its performance?
• What is the typical range of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in wastewater?
• Which statement describes a disadvantage of aerobic digestion?
• What is used to check air quality in the material?
• Recirculation in fixed-film reactors serves to?
• Zoogloeal mass is best described as which of the following?
• Which bacteria can grow with or without oxygen?
• In the context of BOD testing, what does synthesis refer to?
• An Equalizing Basin serves what function?
• Which term means the ability of water to buffer acids?
• Anaerobic digestion refers to:
• For each 1 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen denitrified to nitrogen gas, how much alkalinity is produced as calcium carbonate?
• Phosphorus removal in lagoon systems can be achieved by:
• Which time frame is described for the BOD test in the notes?
• MLSS is defined as what measurement in the aeration tank's mixed liquor?
• Why is degassing necessary after ozone treatment?
• Digester covers can be which of the following?
• In the material, slime is described as what?
• Which of the following is a pump type?
• Which statement correctly defines adsorption and not absorption?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of a composite sample?
• Rising sludge in secondary clarifiers is usually a result of what process?
• Which phenomenon can occur when rapid pressure changes near a pump or valve cause gas bubbles to form and collapse, possibly producing noise?
• What can be used to listen to a pump in operation?
• What is the typical hydraulic loading for activated carbon beds in gal/min per ft2?
• Which mechanism adds oxygen to aerobic ponds during daylight?
• What is the approximate phosphate production per person per day?
• A time composite sample is defined as:
• Which of the following pairs correctly describes the oxygen requirement for each bacteria type used in activated sludge?
• In primary treatment, what is added to assist suspended solids in settling?
• In anaerobic ponds, treatment depends on?
• How much alkalinity is used per 1 lb of ammonia?
• What is the germicidal UV wavelength commonly used for disinfection?
• In good digestion, volatile acids should be not more than which level?
• Which statement correctly describes the Kraus process in the activated sludge family?
• Efficiency of trickling filter measured by?
• Which class corresponds to a facility capacity of more than 7,500,000 gpd with 24 CEUs?
• What are the two basic types of flow channels?
• In fixed-film reactors, biomass growth occurs on the media or substrate.
• What device is a circular grinder designed to grind the solids coming through the screen into pieces about 0.3 cm or smaller?
• How is organic loading defined for rotating biological contactors (RBCs)?
• Which term means a portion of a sample removed for testing?
• Which term describes an oxygen-deficient condition (less than 0.5 ppm)?
• Which statement best defines facultative bacteria?
• COD stands for which term?
• Which statement describes facultative bacteria?
• Why control scum on lagoon?
• BOD stands for Biochemical Oxygen Demand.
• What is the primary purpose of weirs and flumes in wastewater flow measurement?
• When clarifiers seem off, look for?
• In aerobic ponds, how is dissolved oxygen distributed?
• Which set of stages is listed as part of the biological growth cycle?
• Coagulation and pH adjustment are often needed to treat which group?
• What is the typical COD range mentioned for wastewater?
• Which term describes a condition that makes sludge float rather than settle?
• Base is defined as:
• What is considered the heart of the chlorinator?
• What is the goal for SOUR (Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate) in sludge?
• In an aeration basin, what primarily controls the total suspended solids (TSS) concentration?
• Which acid/alkalinity ratio indicates the digester is stressed?
• What do weirs measure in wastewater channels?
• Name the three factors used to classify pumps.
• Denitrification occurs under what conditions and DO range?
• If the pounds of MLSS in the basin stay constant while pounds of TSS in the influent double, the sludge age will:
• Primary treatment is described as what process?
• Which term describes a solution that resists pH changes?
• Dissolved ozone requires degassing for about how long before discharge?
• Which of the following is a chlorine derivative used for disinfection?
• Lagoons require same daily inspections and maintenance?
• A baffle is best described as:
• How should a weir be oriented relative to the flow axis to obtain accurate measurements?
• Major disadvantages to extended aeration?
• What are advantages of aerobic digestion?
• What is a sign of healthy biomass on rotating biological contactors?
• UV light is what kind of radiation?
• What are the detention times for standard-rate and high-rate anaerobic digestion?
• Which process results in solids settling out as sludge in a settling tank?
• Which of the following items are identified as must-know values for return activated sludge (RAS) operation?
• Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, anoxic process.
• What best describes the operation of trickling filters?
• The simplest and least expensive flow measurement device is a?
• Headworks may consist of which components?
• In population loading calculations, which components are included?
• CBOD is defined as the portion of oxygen demand required to remove carbon.
• Which statement about temperature effects in wastewater treatment is correct?
• UV disinfection has residual?
• Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are measured by a test that assesses which of the following?
• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in wastewater is characterized by what?
• What are disadvantages of aerobic digestion?
• Diffused-Air Aeration involves which mechanism?
• Ozone is nonreactive and stable. TRUE FALSE
• Which influent scheme is described as long, conventional, high length and low width?
• Which pump type uses pneumatic injection to lift wastewater?
• For every 100 ppm of BOD removed, how much nitrogen and phosphorus are required?
• What gas is primarily produced in anaerobic digestion?
• Which process decomposes waste under anaerobic conditions to produce biogas and a compost-like residue?
• What happens during endogenous respiration?
• Which term best describes nutrient enrichment leading to algal blooms in a body of water?
• Where does sludge go after concentration to 4-8%?
• Which pH range is considered best for wastewater treatment operation?
• Device to separate substances by spinning them at high speed.
• What is the monthly average limit for chlorine (CL2) in mg/L?
• Which term describes air lift?
• Industrial wastewater treatment often uses which steps?
• Which type of pump uses air to move wastewater?
• Grit removal protects pumps and pipes by removing grit that could cause wear. Which equipment is protected?
• What is the reported flow per person per day?
• NPDES stands for which of the following?
• Normal treatment removes how many mg/L?