Basic Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Basic Wastewater Operator Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with helpful hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

Practice this question and more.

How does adding chlorine or sulfuric acid affect the pH of wastewater?

Increase the pH
Decrease the pH
Have no effect on pH
Normalize the pH

The correct answer is: Decrease the pH

Adding chlorine or sulfuric acid to wastewater will decrease the pH. Chlorine, when dissolved in water, forms hypochlorous acid, which is a weak acid. This process introduces more hydrogen ions into the solution, leading to a reduction in pH. Similarly, sulfuric acid is a strong acid that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the wastewater, causing the pH level to drop significantly. Understanding the pH is crucial in wastewater treatment, as it can influence the effectiveness of various treatment processes and the solubility of certain compounds. Maintaining a suitable pH is essential not just for chemical reactions but also for compliance with environmental regulations.