Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What term refers to the total amount of a chemical introduced to the treatment process?

1. Concentration

2. Load

3. Volume

4. Dose

The correct answer is: Dose

The term that refers to the total amount of a chemical introduced to the treatment process is "Dose." In the context of wastewater treatment, "dose" specifically indicates the quantity of a chemical that is administered at a given time, which is crucial for achieving the desired effect in the treatment process. This term encompasses the total amount being applied whether it is an oxidant, coagulant, or disinfectant, and is often measured in a specific unit such as grams or milliliters per volume of wastewater. The appropriate dose is vital for optimizing treatment effectiveness, ensuring that pollutants are adequately treated without causing harm to the ecosystem or the equipment involved. Concentration, while related, refers to the amount of substance per unit volume, which doesn’t necessarily represent the total quantity used in treatment. Load typically refers to the total mass of a pollutant entering the treatment system over a period of time, which is different from the direct amount of a chemical added. Volume simply measures the space occupied by a substance and doesn’t convey information about the amount of chemical utilized in the treatment process. Hence, dose is the most appropriate and precise term in this context.