Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms

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5 random terms from our glossary

organic waste

Waste material that may come from animal or plant sources. Natural organic wastes generally can be consumed by bacteria and other small organisms. Also see inorganic waste and volatile solids.

positive bacteriological sample

A water sample in which gas is produced by coliform organisms during incubation in the multiple tube fermentation test.

lateral surface area

The area of all the sides but not the top and bottom of a solid object, such as a cube, cylinder, or cone.

full dip

See dip.

conventional treatment

In POTWs, the common wastewater treatment processes such as preliminary treatment, sedimentation, flotation, trickling filter, rotating biological contactor, activated sludge, and chlorination. In pretreatment facilities, hydroxide precipitation of metals processes.