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Free exam practice for Washington wastewater treatment operators.

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Level I sample questions

Biological Treatment Practice Questions for Washington Level I

4 free sample questions on biological treatment for the Washington Level I wastewater treatment operator exam. Try each one, then open the answer to read the explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What does an aeration diffuser do?

    1. Measure pressure inside the air header
    2. Open and close airflow to the basin
    3. Release air as bubbles into wastewater
    4. Remove moisture from the blower intake
    Show the answer

    Answer: C. Release air as bubbles into wastewater

    A diffuser releases compressed air as bubbles into wastewater, allowing oxygen to transfer into the water.

  2. Question 2

    How does a rotating biological contactor operate?

    1. Discs rotate through wastewater and air
    2. Discs remain submerged without rotating
    3. Biomass circulates through an empty tank
    4. Wastewater bypasses the biological discs
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Discs rotate through wastewater and air

    An RBC slowly rotates biological discs through wastewater and air so attached microorganisms contact both the wastewater and oxygen.

  3. Question 3

    What does return activated sludge carry back to the aeration basin?

    1. Grit removed at the headworks
    2. Settled biological solids
    3. Disinfected final effluent
    4. Primary scum and grease
    Show the answer

    Answer: B. Settled biological solids

    Return activated sludge moves settled biological solids from the secondary clarifier back to the aeration basin.

  4. Question 4

    Why is some activated sludge removed from the treatment process?

    1. Supply oxygen to the biological solids
    2. Return settled solids to the aeration basin
    3. Keep all biological solids in the process
    4. Control the amount and age of biological solids
    Show the answer

    Answer: D. Control the amount and age of biological solids

    Microorganisms grow as they treat wastewater. Removing excess activated sludge keeps the biological-solids inventory and sludge age under control.

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Operator Master has 4 Level I biological treatment questions, free, with an explanation after every answer.

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More topics

Other Level I Topics

  • Plant Operations53 questions
  • Math and Calculations10 questions
  • Pumps and Hydraulics8 questions
  • Secondary Clarification5 questions
  • Headworks and Screening4 questions
  • Grit Removal2 questions
  • Laboratory2 questions
  • Primary Treatment2 questions
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