Wastewater A-Z
Not everyone is a wastewater expert, but that’s what we’re here for! Our glossary is designed to help you learn all things wastewater. Scroll through the glossary to get a high-level definition of each term, or click through the provided links for deeper learning on the topic. Dive on in!
A
The biological degradation of organic matters in the absence of oxygen and converts the chemical energy in organic carbon biogas
The biological process that uses oxygen to break down organic contaminants and other pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorous
B
Complex of microorganisms that stick together on a surface, typically wet surfaces
Calculated on 5 days amount of oxygen necessary for degradation
The ratio of biological oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD) which indicates the level of biodegradability of a sample, determines the presence of organic and inorganic matter present in wastewater. In domestic waste, the standard ratio between BOD/COD is 1:2, for untreated wastewater the BOD/COD ratio is between 0.3 to 0.8.
The natural process of breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi
C
Separates water from sludge
Amount of oxygen for chemical oxidation of organic matter
A model of production and consumption where material use is reduced, products are less resource intensive, and waste is recaptured as a resource to manufacture new materials and products
Used to remove solid particulates or suspended solids from liquid for clarification and (or) thickening – suspended solids are coagulated (usually with a chemical) and settle to bottom of tank
Cleaning the pipeline of industrial processes, can be done with water or steam, required for ensuring product quality and FDA compliance in the food and beverage industry.
D
A subset of distributed treatment, characterized by independent, small/medium-scale treatment plants placed next to a source of wastewater offering physical autonomy
The excess barley grain which is leftover after each distillation. Draff is rich in digestible fiber and also contains concentrated protein and oil from the malted barley.
The reduction of carbon, in wastewater treatment it refers to the capturing of biogas produced from treatment
Placing wastewater treatment plants at the point of need instead of a centralized facility.
A treatment process that clarifies wastewater by removal of suspended solids, oils, greases, BOD, COD and metals – oily suspended solids float to surface and are skimmed away.One of the most robust and effective ways to remove TSS, BOD, FOG, phosphorus (P), or nutrients from industrial wastewaters.
E
Liquid waste or sewage discharged out (typically to surface water following treatment)
G
The gases in earth’s atmosphere that trap heat, the five main greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide N2O), and fluorinated gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF6)
H
Transportation of wastewater to be discharged and treated offsite, typically at a publicly owned treatment facility
Utilities consider high-strength to be anything over 300 mg/L BOD, technology providers consider high-strength to be anything over 1,000 mg/L BOD. Ultra- or super-high strength is over 10,000 mg/L BOD.
The mean residence time of wastewater in the biological reactor, i.e. the contact time between the pollutant and the microorganisms. BETT system provides between 4- and 20-h HRT under continuous flow conditions.
Transforming toxic substances to non-toxic substances by removing petroleum hydrocarbons from water
I
Liquid waste or sewage flowing in (typically to a treatment plant or reservoir)
M
The addition of very small amounts of air to improve digestion performance by anaerobic digesters
A device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy by the action of microorganisms
70-90% of water reused onsite
N
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible
P
The residue of fermented wort left in a still after the distillation of whiskey or alcohol and used for animal feed. The pot ale is rich in organic matter and contains a variety of compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals and contains a high concentration of solids.
Removing certain pollutants from wastewater before discharge
The removal, deactivation or killing of pathogenic microorganisms
R
The most complete water treatment process that removes ionic contaminants from water by using high pressure to force only water molecules through a semipermeable membrane
S
Access to clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal
Separation of liquids and solids or highly concentrated wastewater for treatment
The residue in the spirit still after distillation; usually washed directly into wastewater.
By-products from the production of beer and wine containing high biological value proteins typically re-used as livestock feed
By-product of wastewater treatment, typically a solid or semisolid mix of organic matter from waste, microorganisms, and inorganic solids
The waste or byproduct generated during the fermentation process. This waste contains residues from the grains, fruit, or other raw materials used in the production of the beverage.
Additional charge incurred when discharging high-strength wastewater
Fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising future generations, ensuring a balance between the economy, society, and the environment
A call to action for all countries in a global partnership to end poverty and other deprivations while preserving our resources
T
The leftover byproducts and hop debris formed during the brewing process of beer left behind in the hopback after the wort has been removed
A test involving a simulation of leaching through a landfill that can provide a rating to prove if the waste is dangerous to the environment or not.
Total insoluble content in water (organic or inorganic)
The sum of all organic and inorganic sulfur compounds in wastewater
Dissolved ions, including salts, minerals and metals, that can be found in all non-pure water sources
The hauling of wastewater by trucks to an offsite treatment facility
U
A methane-producing digester, which uses an anaerobic process and forms a blanket of granular sludge, processed by anaerobic microorganisms
V
A byproduct of the fermentation process in the production of alcohol, such as wine or liquor. Vinasses contain a high concentration of organic matter, including sugars, proteins, and minerals and can be used for animal feed, soil fertilizer, and biogas production.
Short-chain fatty acids derived from microbial fermentation, they are important elements in controlling the anaerobic digestion process
W
Dead biomass generated from anaerobic reaction
Sustainable management of water for shared water security
The liquid extracted from the mashing process during the brewing of beer or whisky, the wort contains the sugars that will be fermented to produce alcohol
Z
At least 90% of water is reused onsite, the goal is to reach 100% to have true zero liquid discharge
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