Match the following.

Answers: 1 → A, 2 → B, 3 → C, 4 → D, 5 → E, 6 → F, 7 → G, 8 → H, 9 → I, 10 → J, 11 → K, 12 → L, 13
→ M, 14 → N, 15 → O, 16 → P, 17 → Q, 18 → R, 19 → S, 20 → T, 21 → U, 22 → V, 23 → W, 24 → X, 25
→ Y, 26 → Z, 27 → AA, 28 → AB, 29 → AC, 30 → AD.

Column A Column B
1. Domestic sewage a. Wastewater from households
2. BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) b. Measure of organic pollution
3. Trickling filter c. Biological sewage treatment method
4. Activated sludge process d. Uses aeration and microbes
5. Nitrification e. Conversion of ammonia to nitrate
6. Denitrification f. Conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas
7. Sludge digestion g. Anaerobic decomposition of sludge
8. Phosphorus removal h. Chemical precipitation process
9. Reverse osmosis i. Advanced wastewater treatment
10. Self-purification j. Natural process of water cleaning
Answers 1 → a, 2 → b, 3 → c, 4 → d, 5 → e, 6 → f, 7 → g, 8 → h, 9 → i, 10 → j.

Column A Column B
1. Municipal wastewater a. Combination of domestic, industrial, and stormwater sewage
2. Aerobic oxidation plant b. Requires oxygen for microbial degradation
3. Anaerobic digestion c. Produces biogas as a byproduct
4. Primary treatment d. Removal of large solids and sedimentation
 5. Secondary treatment e. Biological degradation of organic matter
6. Tertiary treatment f. Advanced purification using chemical or filtration methods
7. Self-cleaning velocity g. Minimum flow speed required to prevent sediment deposition
8. Eutrophication h. Excessive growth of algae due to nutrient pollution
9. Sludge disposal i. Landfilling, incineration, or composting
10. Recycling of sewage j. Reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation and industrial purposes
Answers 1 → a, 2 → b, 3 → c, 4 → d, 5 → e, 6 → f, 7 → g, 8 → h, 9 → i, 10 → j.

Fill in the Blanks:

1. Municipal wastewater consists of __________, __________, and __________ waste from households,
industries, and commercial establishments.(organic, inorganic, microbial)
2. The main microorganisms present in sewage include __________, __________, and __________, which play
a role in its decomposition.(bacteria, protozoa, fungi)
3. The primary purpose of sewage treatment is to remove __________, __________, and __________ to ensure
safe disposal or reuse.(organic matter, pathogens, nutrients)
4. __________ and __________ are two key nutrients that must be removed from wastewater to prevent
eutrophication.(Phosphorus, nitrogen)
5. The __________ process involves passing sewage through layers of sand, gravel, or other media to remove
suspended solids.(filtration)
6. __________ and __________ are the two main types of biological oxidation plants used in sewage treatment.
(aerobic, anaerobic)
7. In anaerobic biological oxidation plants, organic matter is broken down by __________ bacteria in the
absence of oxygen.(anaerobic)
8. __________ is the natural process in which bacteria, algae, and other organisms break down organic matter in
wastewater.(cycle of decomposition)
9. The __________ of sewage in a sewer should be high enough to prevent sedimentation but not too high to
cause erosion.(self-cleaning velocity)
10. Sludge disposal methods include __________, __________, and __________, depending on the treatment
plant setup.(land application, incineration, digestion)
11. The __________ system of sewerage involves separate pipelines for stormwater and sewage.(separate)
12. Analysis of sewage includes tests for __________, __________, and __________ to assess its composition
and quality.(BOD, COD, suspended solids)
13. __________ is the ability of natural water bodies to break down pollutants through biological and chemical
processes.(self-purification)
14. Sewage disposal methods include __________, __________, and __________ depending on environmental
conditions and regulations.(land disposal, dilution, irrigation)
15. Recycling of sewage involves __________ and __________ treatment to make wastewater suitable for
reuse.(physical, biological)
16. Sewage is primarily composed of __________, __________, and __________ materials, along with
microorganisms.(organic, inorganic, microbial)
17. The main bacteriological processes in sewage treatment include __________ decomposition and
__________ oxidation.(anaerobic, aerobic)
18. The __________ test measures the amount of oxygen required to biologically decompose organic matter in
sewage.(Biochemical Oxygen Demand - BOD)
19. The __________ test determines the total amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize both organic and
inorganic matter in wastewater.(Chemical Oxygen Demand - COD)
20. The removal of nitrogen from wastewater is done through processes like __________ and __________.
(nitrification, denitrification)
21. The primary methods of sewage treatment include __________, __________, and __________ treatment.
(physical, chemical, biological)
22. In the filtration process, suspended solids are removed from sewage using materials such as __________ and
__________.(sand, gravel)
23. Aerobic oxidation plants, such as __________ and __________, use oxygen to break down organic matter.
(activated sludge process, trickling filters)
24. In an anaerobic biological oxidation plant, organic matter is converted into __________ and __________
gases.(methane, carbon dioxide)
25. The __________ method of sewage treatment involves natural processes such as sedimentation and
microbial degradation.(lagooning)
26. The __________ velocity of sewage prevents solids from settling in pipelines while ensuring smooth flow.
(self-cleaning)
27. Sewage analysis includes testing for __________, which indicates the presence of disease-causing bacteria.
(coliform bacteria)
28. The process of __________ involves the separation of solid and liquid components in sewage sludge for
disposal.(dewatering)
29. __________ is a process used to convert sewage sludge into a stable, nutrient-rich material for agricultural
use.(composting)
30. Wastewater recycling helps in __________ conservation and reduces environmental pollution.(water)

Short Answer type questions

1. What is sewage?
Sewage is wastewater that originates from households, industries, and stormwater runoff, containing organic
and inorganic waste.
2. What are the main components of municipal wastewater?
Municipal wastewater consists of organic matter, inorganic salts, microorganisms, nutrients (nitrogen,
phosphorus), and suspended solids.
3. What are the three types of sewage?
Domestic sewage, industrial sewage, and storm sewage.
4. What is the role of bacteria in sewage treatment?
Bacteria decompose organic matter in sewage through aerobic and anaerobic processes, aiding in wastewater
purification.
5. What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in sewage treatment?
Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to break down organic matter, while anaerobic bacteria decompose waste in the
absence of oxygen.
6. Why is sewage treatment necessary?
Sewage treatment removes harmful contaminants, prevents water pollution, and protects public health and the
environment.
7. What are the physical properties of sewage?
Color, odor, temperature, and suspended solids content.
8. What are the chemical properties of sewage?
pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen, and nutrient
content.
9. What are the primary stages of sewage treatment?
Primary treatment (removes solid particles), secondary treatment (biological process), and tertiary treatment
(advanced purification).
10. What is biological treatment of sewage?
A process that uses microorganisms to break down organic waste, including activated sludge and trickling
filters.
11. What is the activated sludge process?
A biological treatment method where air and microorganisms are used to break down organic matter in sewage.
12. Why is nitrogen removal important in wastewater treatment?
Excess nitrogen can cause water pollution, leading to eutrophication and oxygen depletion in water bodies.
13. What methods are used to remove phosphorus from wastewater?
Chemical precipitation (using alum or iron salts) and biological phosphorus removal.
14. What is the purpose of filtration in sewage treatment?
Filtration removes suspended solids and microorganisms from wastewater before discharge or reuse.
15. What materials are commonly used in sewage filtration?
Sand, gravel, activated carbon, and membrane filters.
16. What are two types of aerobic oxidation plants?
Activated sludge process and trickling filters.
17. What is an anaerobic biological oxidation plant?
A treatment system that breaks down organic waste in the absence of oxygen, producing methane and carbon
dioxide.
18. What is the advantage of anaerobic digestion?
It reduces sludge volume and generates biogas, which can be used for energy production.
19. What is tertiary treatment in sewage treatment plants?
A final purification step that removes residual nutrients, pathogens, and contaminants using filtration,
chlorination, or UV treatment.
20. What is a septic tank, and how does it work?
A small-scale sewage treatment system that allows solids to settle and decompose anaerobically.
21. What is the cycle of decomposition in sewage treatment?
The breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms through aerobic and anaerobic processes, resulting in
stable end products like water, gases, and nutrients.
22. What gases are produced during sewage decomposition?
Methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
23. What is self-cleaning velocity in sewerage systems?
The minimum velocity required to prevent sedimentation and blockages in sewer pipes.
24. What are the types of sewerage systems?
Separate system (stormwater and sewage are collected separately) and combined system (both are collected
together).
25. What tests are conducted to analyze sewage?
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, turbidity, and total suspended solids
(TSS) tests.
26. What is BOD, and why is it important?
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measures the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to
decompose organic matter. It indicates water pollution levels.
27. What is sludge?
Sludge is the solid waste material separated from sewage during treatment.
28. What are common methods of sludge disposal?
Land application, incineration, composting, and landfill disposal.
29. What is self-purification in water bodies?
The natural process by which rivers, lakes, and oceans break down and remove pollutants through biological,
chemical, and physical actions.
30. How is wastewater recycled for reuse?
Through treatment processes like sedimentation, biological filtration, disinfection (UV/chlorination), and
advanced membrane filtration for safe reuse in irrigation, industrial cooling, and even drinking water.
Long Answer type questions
1. Explain the Composition of Sewage and the Importance of Sewage Treatment.
Answer: Composition of Sewage: Sewage is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic materials,
microorganisms, and nutrients. It mainly consists of:
Organic Matter: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and oils from domestic and industrial waste.
Inorganic Matter: Salts, heavy metals, and minerals from industrial discharge and domestic use.
Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, some of which may be pathogenic.
Suspended Solids: Grit, sand, and sludge that settle in treatment plants.
Nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur compounds that can cause eutrophication in water bodies.
Importance of Sewage Treatment:Public Health Protection: Prevents the spread of waterborne diseases.
Environmental Protection: Reduces pollution and maintains ecological balance.
Water Conservation: Enables wastewater recycling and reuse.
Nutrient Recovery: Phosphorus and nitrogen can be extracted for agricultural use.
Energy Generation: Biogas from anaerobic digestion can be used as a renewable energy source.

2. Describe the Different Methods of Sewage Treatment with Their Significance.

Answer: Sewage treatment is divided into three main stages: 1. Primary Treatment:
Involves physical processes like screening, sedimentation, and skimming.
Removes large debris, floating solids, and settleable matter.
Significance: Reduces solid load in wastewater and prepares it for biological treatment.
2. Secondary Treatment: Uses biological processes to degrade organic matter.
Activated Sludge Process: Uses aeration and bacteria to break down waste.
Trickling Filters: Water flows over a microbial film that consumes organic waste.
Significance: Removes up to 85% of organic pollutants.
3. Tertiary Treatment: Involves advanced treatment processes like chemical precipitation, filtration, and
disinfection.
Processes:
Chlorination/UV Treatment: Kills harmful microorganisms.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes dissolved salts and heavy metals.
Carbon Filtration: Absorbs organic contaminants.
Significance: Produces high-quality effluent for safe discharge or reuse.

3. Explain the Removal of Phosphorus and Nitrogen from Wastewater. Why is It Necessary?
Answer: Phosphorus and nitrogen are essential nutrients but can cause water pollution if not properly removed
from wastewater.
Removal of Phosphorus: Chemical Precipitation:Uses alum, ferric chloride, or lime to precipitate phosphorus as
insoluble salts.
Biological Phosphorus Removal (BPR): Uses specialized bacteria that store phosphorus and remove it from
wastewater.
Removal of Nitrogen: Nitrification: Converts ammonia (NH₃) to nitrate (NO₃⁻) using aerobic bacteria.
Denitrification: Converts nitrate to nitrogen gas (N₂) in anoxic conditions, releasing it into the atmosphere.
Necessity of Nutrient Removal:Prevents Eutrophication: Excess nutrients cause excessive algal growth in water
bodies.
Protects Aquatic Life: High nitrogen levels deplete oxygen, leading to fish deaths.
Ensures Safe Drinking Water: Nitrate contamination in water can cause health issues like methemoglobinemia
(blue baby syndrome).

4. Discuss the Self-Purification of Natural Water and the Cycle of Decomposition in Sewage Treatment.
Answer: Self-Purification of Natural Water: Natural water bodies have a built-in ability to degrade and
remove pollutants.
 The process occurs through physical, chemical, and biological actions.
Key Mechanisms: 1. Dilution: Pollutants get dispersed in a large volume of water.
2. Sedimentation: Heavier particles settle at the bottom.
3. Oxidation: Organic matter is broken down by aerobic bacteria.
4. Microbial Action: Microorganisms degrade waste into simpler compounds.
Cycle of Decomposition in Sewage Treatment:
 Organic waste undergoes biodegradation through microbial action.
 Aerobic Decomposition:
o Uses oxygen to break down waste into CO₂, water, and nitrates.
 Anaerobic Decomposition:
o Occurs in the absence of oxygen, producing methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia.
 Final Stage:
o End products are stabilized, and water is purified for safe discharge.

5. Describe the Different Methods of Sludge Disposal and Their Environmental Impact.
Answer: Sludge is the solid waste left after sewage treatment. It must be properly disposed of to prevent
environmental hazards.
Methods of Sludge Disposal: Land Application: Sludge is used as fertilizer for agriculture.
Impact: Can improve soil fertility but may introduce heavy metals.
Incineration: Sludge is burned to reduce volume.
Impact: Generates energy but releases air pollutants like dioxins.
Composting: Organic matter in sludge is decomposed into nutrient-rich compost.
Impact: Safe and beneficial for agriculture.
Landfilling: Sludge is buried in designated landfills.
Impact: Risk of groundwater contamination if not properly managed.
Ocean Dumping (Rarely Used): Sludge is disposed of in oceans.
Impact: Harms marine life and causes water pollution.