In general, terms related to plumbing, household products, computer programs, or software have not been included All of the terms have been listed in good faith. A reasonable attempt has been made to confirm all definitions and, in the case of commercial terms, verify the companies responsible for the listings. The author apologizes for any omissions or errors If you are aware of any changes or additions that should be included in subse quent editions, please send them to Tom Pankratz, P.O. Box 75064, Houston, Texas USA,77234-5064
In general, terms related to plumbing, household products, computer programs, or software have not been included. All of the terms have been listed in good faith. A reasonable attempt has been made to confirm all definitions and, in the case of commercial terms, verify the companies responsible for the listings. The author apologizes for any omissions or errors. If you are aware of any changes or additions that should be included in subsequent editions, please send them to Tom Pankratz, P.O. Box 75064, Houston, Texas USA, 77234-5064
Foreword The areas of environmental engineering and sciences and their related business activities have grown to the point that they overlap the professional and private lives of almost everyone As environmental issues become more complicated, so does the vocabulary required to understand and discuss them. This Environmental Engineer- ing Dictionary and Directory defines many terms that did not even exist a decade ago My own field of water reclamation and reuse is an example of a relatively new area of environmental engineering that has fostered the introduction of many new terms and technologies When considering advanced treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters a repeated thesis has been that such a high quality effluent should be put to beneficial use rather than simply wasted. Today, technically proven treatment and purification processes exist to provide treated water of almost any quality desired. This offers a realistic framework for considering water reclamation and reuse in many parts of the world that are experiencing water shortages. Nonpotable water reuse applications such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, toilet flushing in large office buildings, and water for aesthetic and environmental purposes have become major options for planned water reuse Water reuse provides innovative and alternative options for agriculture, munic ipalities, and industries. However, water only one alternative in planning to meet future water resource needs. Conservation, efficient management and use of existing water supplies, and the development of new water resources based on watershed management or seawater desalination are examples of other alternatives As the field of environmental engineering continues to develop, so will the vocabulary required for its discussion and study. Our need to understand the envi- ronment and to better appreciate our relationship with nature is greater now than at any time in our history. Thus Toms book is particularly timely and relevant. Takashi asano, Ph.D. PE Adjunct Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Foreword The areas of environmental engineering and sciences and their related business activities have grown to the point that they overlap the professional and private lives of almost everyone. As environmental issues become more complicated, so does the vocabulary required to understand and discuss them. This Environmental Engineering Dictionary and Directory defines many terms that did not even exist a decade ago. My own field of water reclamation and reuse is an example of a relatively new area of environmental engineering that has fostered the introduction of many new terms and technologies. When considering advanced treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters, a repeated thesis has been that such a high quality effluent should be put to beneficial use rather than simply wasted. Today, technically proven treatment and purification processes exist to provide treated water of almost any quality desired. This offers a realistic framework for considering water reclamation and reuse in many parts of the world that are experiencing water shortages. Nonpotable water reuse applications, such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, toilet flushing in large office buildings, and water for aesthetic and environmental purposes have become major options for planned water reuse. Water reuse provides innovative and alternative options for agriculture, municipalities, and industries. However, water reuse is only one alternative in planning to meet future water resource needs. Conservation, efficient management and use of existing water supplies, and the development of new water resources based on watershed management or seawater desalination are examples of other alternatives. As the field of environmental engineering continues to develop, so will the vocabulary required for its discussion and study. Our need to understand the environment and to better appreciate our relationship with nature is greater now than at any time in our history. Thus Tom’s book is particularly timely and relevant. Takashi Asano, Ph.D., P.E. Adjunct Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering University of California at Davis
A a See"Angstrom(A) A&I Alternative and Innovative A/0 Wastewater treatment process for biological removal of nitrogen by USFil A2/0 Biological treatment process for phosphorus and nitrogen removal by USFil- ter/ Kruger A'CTM Biological wastewater treatment system by Baker Process- Municipal Division A /R Photocatalytic process to destroy VOCs by Trojan Technologies, Inc AA See"atomic absorption spectrophotometry(AA) AAEE American Academy of Environmental Engineers aaP Asbestos action program. AAPCo American ssociation of pesticide control officials AAQS Ambient air quality standard AARC Alliance for Acid Rain Control aa American association for the advancement of science ABA1o00 Alumina oxide for phosphate reduction by Selecto, Inc ABA2000 Alumina oxide for lead and heavy metals removal by Selecto, Inc ABA8000 Alumina oxide for fluoride removal by Selecto, Inc abandoned well A well whose use has been permanently discontinued or which is in a state of such disrepair that it cannot be used for its intended purpose abatement Reducing the degree or intensity of, or eliminating, pollution abattoir A place where animals are slaughtered for their meat and meat byproduct ABC Filter Automatic backwashable cartridge filter by USFilter/Rockford Abcor Ultrafiltration membrane product by Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. ABF Activated bio-filtration wastewater treatment system by Infilco Degremont ABF Traveling bridge type automatic backwashing gravity sand filter by Aqua- Aerobic Systems, Inc. abiocoen All of the geologic, climatic, and other nonliving elements of an eco- system. abiotic Nonliving elements in the environment. ABJM ABJ product group of Sanitaire Corp ablation The combined processes of glacial melting and evaporation which results in a net loss of ice The lower part of a glacier where the net loss of ice exceeds the net ABs (1) Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. A black plastic material, used in the man- ufacture of pipes and other components (2) Alkyl-benzene-sulfonate. A sur- factant formerly used in synthetic detergents that resisted biological breakdown
A Å See “Angstrom (Å).” A&I Alternative and Innovative. A/O® Wastewater treatment process for biological removal of nitrogen by USFilter/Krüger. A2/O® Biological treatment process for phosphorus and nitrogen removal by USFilter/Krüger. A2C™ Biological wastewater treatment system by Baker Process — Municipal Division. A·I·R Photocatalytic process to destroy VOCs by Trojan Technologies, Inc. AA See “atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA).” AAEE American Academy of Environmental Engineers. AAP Asbestos Action Program. AAPCO American Association of Pesticide Control Officials. AAQS Ambient air quality standards. AARC Alliance for Acid Rain Control. AAS American Association for the Advancement of Science. ABA1000® Alumina oxide for phosphate reduction by Selecto, Inc. ABA2000® Alumina oxide for lead and heavy metals removal by Selecto, Inc. ABA8000® Alumina oxide for fluoride removal by Selecto, Inc. abandoned well A well whose use has been permanently discontinued or which is in a state of such disrepair that it cannot be used for its intended purpose. abatement Reducing the degree or intensity of, or eliminating, pollution. abattoir A place where animals are slaughtered for their meat and meat byproducts. ABC Filter™ Automatic backwashable cartridge filter by USFilter/Rockford. Abcor® Ultrafiltration membrane product by Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. ABF Activated bio-filtration wastewater treatment system by Infilco Degremont, Inc. ABF Traveling bridge type automatic backwashing gravity sand filter by AquaAerobic Systems, Inc. abiocoen All of the geologic, climatic, and other nonliving elements of an ecosystem. abiotic Nonliving elements in the environment. ABJ™ ABJ product group of Sanitaire Corp. ablation The combined processes of glacial melting and evaporation which results in a net loss of ice. ablation zone The lower part of a glacier where the net loss of ice exceeds the net gain. ABS (1) Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. A black plastic material, used in the manufacture of pipes and other components. (2) Alkyl-benzene-sulfonate. A surfactant formerly used in synthetic detergents that resisted biological breakdown
absolute filter rating A filter rating which indicates that 99.9% of the particles larger than a specified size will be removed by the filter absolute humidity The total amount of water vapor present in the air, measured n grams per cubic meter. absolute pressure The total pressure in a system, equal to the sum of the gage pressure and atmospheric pressure absolute purity water Water with a specific resistance of 18.3 megohm-cm at absolute zero The lowest temperature possible: 0 on the Kelvin scale or approx imately -273C(459.7F). absorbate A substance used to soak up another substance. absorbed dose The amount of a chemical that enters the body of an exposed absorbent Any substance that exhibits the properties of absorption absorption The process of transferring molecules of gas, liquid, or a dissolved substance to the surface of a solid where it is bound by chemical or physical absorption field a trench or pit filled with gravel or loose rock designed to absorb epic tank effluent. ABw Traveling bridge type gravity sand filter by Infilco Degremont, Inc abyssal zone A zone of deep oceanic waters, generally deeper than 2000 meters and between the hadal and bathyal zones where light does not penetrate AC See"activated carbon AC Industrial wastewater treatment unit by Colloid Environmental Technologies ACA American conservation association acaricide A pesticide used to kill spiders, ticks, or mites ACBM Asbestos-containing building material Accelapak Modular water treatment plant by Infilco Degremont, Inc Accelator@ Solids contact clarifier with primary and secondary mixing zones by nfilco Degremont, Inc. Accelo Hi-Cap Filter underdrain block formerly offered by Infilco Degremont Accelo-Biox Modular wastewater treatment plant by Infilco Degremont, Inc Accel-o-FacTM Sewage treatment plant design by Lake Aid Systems acceptable risk The level of risk associated with minimal adverse effects, usually determined by a risk analysis Access Analytical Former name of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. accessory species Species found in less than half but more than one quarter of the area covered by a plant community accident site The location of an unexpected occurrence, failure or loss, either at a plant or along a transportation route, resulting in a release of hazardous materials climatization The physiological and behavioral adjustments of an organism to changes in its Accofloco lon exchange media by Colloid Environmental Technologies Co
absolute filter rating A filter rating which indicates that 99.9% of the particles larger than a specified size will be removed by the filter. absolute humidity The total amount of water vapor present in the air, measured in grams per cubic meter. absolute pressure The total pressure in a system, equal to the sum of the gage pressure and atmospheric pressure. absolute purity water Water with a specific resistance of 18.3 megohm-cm at 25°C. absolute zero The lowest temperature possible; 0° on the Kelvin scale or approximately –273°C (– 459.7°F). absorbate A substance used to soak up another substance. absorbed dose The amount of a chemical that enters the body of an exposed organism. absorbent Any substance that exhibits the properties of absorption. absorption The process of transferring molecules of gas, liquid, or a dissolved substance to the surface of a solid where it is bound by chemical or physical forces. absorption field A trench or pit filled with gravel or loose rock designed to absorb septic tank effluent. ABW® Traveling bridge type gravity sand filter by Infilco Degremont, Inc. abyssal zone A zone of deep oceanic waters, generally deeper than 2000 meters and between the hadal and bathyal zones where light does not penetrate. AC See “activated carbon.” AC® Industrial wastewater treatment unit by Colloid Environmental Technologies Co. ACA American Conservation Association. acaricide A pesticide used to kill spiders, ticks, or mites. ACBM Asbestos-containing building material. Accelapak® Modular water treatment plant by Infilco Degremont, Inc. Accelator® Solids contact clarifier with primary and secondary mixing zones by Infilco Degremont, Inc. Accelo Hi-Cap Filter underdrain block formerly offered by Infilco Degremont, Inc. Accelo-Biox® Modular wastewater treatment plant by Infilco Degremont, Inc. Accel-o-Fac™ Sewage treatment plant design by Lake Aid Systems. acceptable risk The level of risk associated with minimal adverse effects, usually determined by a risk analysis. Access Analytical Former name of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. accessory species Species found in less than half but more than one quarter of the area covered by a plant community. accident site The location of an unexpected occurrence, failure or loss, either at a plant or along a transportation route, resulting in a release of hazardous materials. acclimatization The physiological and behavioral adjustments of an organism to changes in its environment. Accofloc® Ion exchange media by Colloid Environmental Technologies Co
accretion The increase in size of an inorganic body by the addition or accumulation of particles ACCU Air sampler by Rupprecht Patashnick AccuguardM Automated pH electrode cleaning and calibration module by bie. Accu-Mag Electromagnetic flow meter by USFilter/Wallace Tiernan accumulation zone The upper part of a glacier where net gain in ice exceeds the accumulator A tank installed in a circulating water system to allow for fluctuations in flow, temperature, pressure, or other variations in operation. AccuPac Cross-corrugated surface media for biological wastewater treatment by Brentwood Industries. Inc Accura- flo Flumes for measuring flows by Composite Structures Accu-TabTM Tablet chlorination system by Hammonds and PPG Industries, Inc Accuvac Chemical reagents in vacuum vials for chemical analysis of fluids by Hach Co ACE rule See"Any Credible Evidence rule(Ace rule). acetaldehyde An organic chemical formed during the disinfection of water, most commonly associated with the use of ozone as disinfectant. Chemical formula is Ch.CHo acetic acid A weak, organic acid contained in vinegar and used in the manufactur f organic chemicals and plastics. Also called"ethanoic acid. Chemical for mula is Ch cooH acetone A colorless, volatile liquid used in organic synthesis and as a commercial solvent. Chemical formula is CH, COCH ACFM Actual cubic feet per minute ACFTD Air cleaner fine test dust. Dust used to calibrate particle counters ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ACH (1) See"air changes per hour(ACH). (2) See"aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) AC American Concrete institute acid (1)A substance that can react with a base to form a salt. (2)A substance that can donate a hydrogen ion or proton acid deposition See“ acid rain?” acid mine drainage Drainage of water from areas that have been mined for coal or other mineral ores, usually having a low ph due to contact with sulfur- bearing material acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) Measure of the ability of water or soil to resist changes in pH acid rain Precipitation having an unusually low pH, generally attributed to the absorption of sulfur dioxide pollution in air. Also known as"acid de acid shock The biological disruption of an aquatic system that results from rapid acidification acid-forming bacteria Microbes that can metabolize complex organic compounds under anaerobic conditions, leading to the production of methane acidic The condition of water or soil that contains a sufficient amount of acid substances to lower the ph below 7.0
accretion The increase in size of an inorganic body by the addition or accumulation of particles. ACCU® Air sampler by Rupprecht & Patashnick. Accuguard™ Automated pH electrode cleaning and calibration module by BIF. Accu-Mag Electromagnetic flow meter by USFilter/Wallace & Tiernan. accumulation zone The upper part of a glacier where net gain in ice exceeds the net loss. accumulator A tank installed in a circulating water system to allow for fluctuations in flow, temperature, pressure, or other variations in operation. AccuPac® Cross-corrugated surface media for biological wastewater treatment by Brentwood Industries, Inc. Accura-flo® Flumes for measuring flows by Composite Structures. Accu-Tab™ Tablet chlorination system by Hammonds and PPG Industries, Inc.. Accuvac Chemical reagents in vacuum vials for chemical analysis of fluids by Hach Co. ACE rule See “Any Credible Evidence rule (ACE rule).” acetaldehyde An organic chemical formed during the disinfection of water, most commonly associated with the use of ozone as disinfectant. Chemical formula is CH3CHO. acetic acid A weak, organic acid contained in vinegar and used in the manufacture of organic chemicals and plastics. Also called “ethanoic acid.” Chemical formula is CH3COOH. acetone A colorless, volatile liquid used in organic synthesis and as a commercial solvent. Chemical formula is CH3COCH3. ACFM Actual cubic feet per minute. ACFTD Air cleaner fine test dust. Dust used to calibrate particle counters. ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. ACH (1) See “air changes per hour (ACH).” (2) See “aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH).” ACI American Concrete Institute. acid (1) A substance that can react with a base to form a salt. (2) A substance that can donate a hydrogen ion or proton. acid deposition See “acid rain.” acid mine drainage Drainage of water from areas that have been mined for coal or other mineral ores, usually having a low pH due to contact with sulfurbearing material. acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) Measure of the ability of water or soil to resist changes in pH. acid rain Precipitation having an unusually low pH, generally attributed to the absorption of sulfur dioxide pollution in air. Also known as “acid deposition.” acid shock The biological disruption of an aquatic system that results from rapid acidification. acid-forming bacteria Microbes that can metabolize complex organic compounds under anaerobic conditions, leading to the production of methane. acidic The condition of water or soil that contains a sufficient amount of acid substances to lower the pH below 7.0