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AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardExam QuestionsUnit 8: Aquatic & Terrestrial PollutionSewage Treatment

Sewage Treatment (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

9 mins9 questions
11 mark

The letters on the diagram represent steps in the process of sewage treatment.

Flowchart of sewage treatment: raw sewage to tank A, aerated in tank B, passed to tanks C and D, releasing waste and treated water.

This process uses aerobic bacteria to break down matter.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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21 mark

This process uses ozone, chlorine or UV light to disinfect treated water.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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31 mark

This process uses grates and screens to remove large objects.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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41 mark

Which of the following is removed from sewage treatment during tertiary treatment?

  • Nitrates and phosphates

  • Pharmaceuticals and toxins

  • Sticks and litter

  • Organic matter and inorganic nutrients

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51 mark

Which of the following natural processes provides a similar ecosystem service to that of sewage treatment?

  • Photosynthesis in terrestrial plants

  • Nitrogen fixation by legumes

  • Decomposition in forest floors

  • Filtration in wetland ecosystems

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61 mark

Which of the following describes the process of secondary sewage treatment?

  • It uses chemicals to coagulate particles and remove large debris from wastewater.

  • It uses biological processes to break down organic matter in wastewater.

  • It removes heavy metals and toxins from wastewater using filtration systems.

  • It disinfects wastewater with chlorine to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

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71 mark

A community is considering land application of the sludge collectorated from primary and secondary sewage treatment.

Which of the following is a primary component of sewage sludge?

  • Phosphates and nitrates 

  • Carbon dioxide and water vapor 

  • Ammonia and nitrogen gases

  • Solids and organic matter

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81 mark

A community is considering land application of the sludge collectorated from primary and secondary sewage treatment.

Which of the following identifies an advantage of land application of sewage sludge?

  • It completely removes all harmful pathogens from the sludge.

  • It eliminates the need for landfills.

  • It increases the nutritional content of the soil.

  • It reduces the volume of sewage sludge by half.

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91 mark

A community is considering land application of the sludge collectorated from primary and secondary sewage treatment.

Which of the following identifies an unintended consequence of land application of sewage sludge?

  • Improved water quality

  • Soil contamination with heavy metals

  • Decrease in soil acidity

  • Reduced need for chemical fertilizers

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