Question 1

Most wastewater treatment facilities employ methods designed to detect each pathogenic organism that may be present in a given sample.

Accepted Answer

While wastewater treatment facilities do aim to remove pathogenic organisms, they typically rely on a combination of physical, chemical, and biological methods rather than targeting each specific organism individually.

Question 2

Wastewater that has undergone tertiary treatment is recycled and used extensively for promoting microbial monocultures.

Accepted Answer

Wastewater that has undergone tertiary treatment is used for various purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge, but it is not specifically used for promoting microbial monocultures.

Question 3

Secondary treatment may be aerobic or anoxic.

Accepted Answer

Secondary treatment can involve either aerobic or anoxic processes, depending on the specific treatment method being used. In aerobic secondary treatment, oxygen is introduced to the wastewater to encourage the growth of aerobic bacteria, which break down and remove organic matter. In anoxic secondary treatment, no oxygen is added, and the treatment process relies on other forms of microorganisms (such as facultative bacteria) to remove organic matter.

Question 4

In water, most taste- and odor- producing compounds are inorganic in nature.

Accepted Answer

Most taste- and odor- producing compounds in water are organic in nature, such as algae, bacteria, and dissolved organic matter from decaying plants or animals. Some inorganic compounds like sulfur and iron can also contribute to unpleasant tastes and odors in water.

Question 5

Legionellosis, caused by the bacterial respiratory pathogen Legionella pneumophila, has decreased in recent years due to advances in wastewater treatment procedures.

Accepted Answer

Legionellosis cases have actually increased in many areas, partly due to aging water systems and not directly related to advances in wastewater treatment, as Legionella primarily proliferates in building water systems rather than in municipal wastewater facilities.

Question 6

Infection with Legionella pneumophila is usually treated with intravenous erythromycin.

Accepted Answer

Infection with Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires' disease, is typically treated with antibiotics, and erythromycin is one of the antibiotics that can be used, often administered intravenously in severe cases.

Question 7

Potable water is not safe for human consumption.

Accepted Answer

Potable water is safe for human consumption. Potable water is treated to remove any contaminants and is suitable for drinking.

Question 8

Both physical and chemical methods are used to treat and purify water.

Accepted Answer

Both physical and chemical methods such as filtration, sedimentation, disinfection, and coagulation are used to treat and purify water.

Question 9

For water to be considered safe to drink, it must be treated with four distinct methods.

Accepted Answer

While treating water with four methods is a common and effective approach, the number of methods required for safe drinking water can vary depending on the source and quality of the water. Factors such as contaminants, location, and regulations can all impact the necessary treatment methods.

Question 10

Typhoid fever has been virtually (although not completely) eliminated from developed countries.

Accepted Answer

This is because developed countries have better sanitation and access to clean water, as well as widespread use of vaccines and antibiotics. However, typhoid fever is still a significant problem in developing countries with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare.

Question 11

Protists that produce spore are especially difficult to kill, because they contain cell membranes that are resistant to common disinfecting chemicals.

Accepted Answer

Protists that produce spores are difficult to kill because their spores are resistant to harsh conditions, not because of their cell membranes.

Question 12

Coliforms can be present in 5% of drinking water samples tested within a month and still be considered safe according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Accepted Answer

The EPA allows for up to 5% of drinking water samples to test positive for coliforms within a month and still meet safe drinking water standards. However, it is important to note that the presence of coliforms can indicate the possible presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites and repeated occurrences should be addressed by water providers.

Question 13

The US EPA regulates the concentration of Escherichia coli in public recreational waters as well as private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to minimize waterborne disease outbreaks.

Accepted Answer

The US EPA regulates the concentration of Escherichia coli in public recreational waters, but private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs are typically regulated by state or local health departments, not the EPA.

Question 14

Giardia cysts are found in most surface water sources in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Giardia cysts are commonly found in surface water sources such as lakes and rivers, and can also be present in well water contaminated by surface water runoff. It is important to properly treat and filter water before drinking, especially when camping or traveling in areas with untreated water sources.

Question 15

Local and state authorities can set standards for recreational water that are above or below the guidelines set by the United States government.

Accepted Answer

Local and state authorities have the ability to establish their own standards for recreational water quality, which may be more rigorous or more lenient than federal recommendations.

Question 16

It is estimated that upward of 30 billion gallons of water are treated on a daily basis in the United States.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States treats approximately 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day.

Question 17

Wastewater plants are usually constructed to handle both domestic and industrial wastes.

Accepted Answer

Wastewater plants are constructed to handle both domestic and industrial wastes. Domestic wastes are generated from households and commercial establishments, while industrial wastes come from factories and other manufacturing establishments.

Question 18

Water is considered to be the third most important common source of infectious diseases.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Water is considered to be the third...

Question 19

Cholera can be transmitted by water or food.

Accepted Answer

Cholera is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food, typically in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

Question 20

Not all coliforms are pathogenic.

Accepted Answer

Coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, including in soil, water, and on vegetation. While some types of coliforms can cause illness, not all coliforms are pathogenic. In fact, many coliform bacteria are harmless and can even be beneficial, such as those used in the production of cheese and yogurt.

Quiz 35: Wastewater Treatment, Water Purification, and Waterborne Microbial Diseases