Florida Wastewater Practice Test

Under the direction of a certified operator, which test can be performed on-site according to chapter 62-601?

1. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

2. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

3. Total Solids

4. Ammonia Nitrogen

The correct answer is: Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The correct answer is related to the testing methods that can be performed on-site under the supervision of a certified operator. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) testing is a critical parameter in assessing water quality, especially in wastewater treatment processes, as it helps determine the biological health of the water. Performing DO tests on-site allows operators to get immediate feedback on the oxygen levels present in the water, which is essential for the aerobic processes in biological treatment systems. Keeping optimal oxygen levels is vital for the survival of aerobic microorganisms tasked with breaking down organic matter in the wastewater. While other tests like Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Solids, and Ammonia Nitrogen are important for evaluating water quality, they often require laboratory analysis or specific equipment that may not be practical for immediate on-site assessment. In practice, the complexity and equipment required for these tests may preclude them from being performed on-site in a typical operational setting, making DO testing the most feasible option in this scenario. Thus, the ability to carry out Dissolved Oxygen testing on-site not only ensures operational efficiency but also supports the management of the biological processes in wastewater treatment facilities.