Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z5 random terms from our glossary
masking agent
A substance used to cover up or disguise unpleasant odors. Liquid masking agents are dripped into the wastewater, sprayed into the air, or evaporated (using heat) with the unpleasant fumes or odors and then discharged into the air by blowers to make an undesirable odor less noticeable.
solvent management plan
A strategy for keeping track of all solvents delivered to a site, their storage, use, and disposal. This includes keeping spent solvents segregated from other process wastewaters to maximize the value of the recoverable solvents, to avoid contamination of other segregated wastes, and to prevent the discharge of toxic organics to any wastewater collection system or the environment. The plan should describe measures to control spills and leaks and to ensure that there is no deliberate dumping of solvents. Also known as a toxic organic management plan.
carbonaceous stage (car-bun-NAY-shus)
A stage of decomposition that occurs in biological treatment processes when aerobic bacteria, using dissolved oxygen (DO), change carbon compounds to carbon dioxide. Sometimes referred to as first-stage BOD because the microorganisms attack organic or carbon compounds first and nitrogen compounds later. Also see nitrification stage.
peristaltic pump (PAIR-uh-STALL-tick)
A type of positive displacement pump.
combined residual chlorination
The application of chlorine to water or wastewater to produce a combined available chlorine residual. The residual may consist of chlorine compounds formed by the reaction of chlorine with natural or added ammonia (NH3) or with certain organic nitrogen compounds.
