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
zeolite
A type of ion exchange material used to soften water. Natural zeolites are siliceous compounds (made of silica) that remove calcium and magnesium from hard water and replace them with sodium. Synthetic or organic zeolites are ion exchange materials that remove calcium or magnesium and replace them with either sodium or hydrogen. Manganese zeolites are used to remove iron and manganese from water.
food/microorganism (F/M) ratio
A process control parameter that measures the mass of BOD (food) entering the biological treatment system divided by the mass of mixed liquor suspended solids (microorganisms) in the bioreactor. A low F/M ratio favors endogenous respiration.
granular
Used to describe any substance that appears to consist of separate granules or grains. Examples are sand and gravel.
average demand
The total demand for water during a period of time divided by the number of days in that time period. Also called average daily demand.
total organic carbon (TOC)
A measure of the amount of organic carbon in water.
