Basic Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What causes turbidity in wastewater?

1. Turds

2. Toilet paper

3. Finely divided suspended material

4. Corn and peanuts

The correct answer is: Finely divided suspended material

Turbidity in wastewater is primarily caused by finely divided suspended materials that are present in the water. These materials can include a mix of organic and inorganic particles such as silt, clay, algae, microorganisms, and organic matter. When light is shined through water containing these suspended particles, it scatters, creating a cloudy appearance. Understanding turbidity is crucial for wastewater management, as high turbidity can indicate poor water quality and can interfere with disinfection processes, making it difficult to ensure safe treatment. Effective treatment methods generally focus on reducing turbidity through processes like sedimentation, filtration, or coagulation, which help remove these suspended solids from the wastewater. The other options, while they might contribute to overall solid material in wastewater, do not specifically address the primary cause of turbidity in a comprehensive manner as finely divided suspended materials do.