Massachusetts Wastewater Practice Exam

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If the pH of a waste stream is 9.8, what is the nature of the waste stream?

Acidic
Basic
Neutral
Cannot determine

The correct answer is: Basic

A pH of 9.8 indicates that the waste stream is basic, or alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 considered acidic, a value of 7 considered neutral, and values above 7 considered basic. Therefore, since 9.8 falls above 7, it signifies that the waste stream has a higher concentration of hydroxide ions compared to hydrogen ions, which is characteristic of basic substances. In the context of wastewater treatment and management, knowing whether a waste stream is acidic, basic, or neutral is crucial for processes such as neutralization, where adjustments may need to be made to ensure safe and effective treatment. Proper handling of a basic waste stream is essential to avoid potential damage to equipment or disruption of biological processes in wastewater treatment systems.