Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z5 random terms from our glossary
THM precursor
Natural, organic compounds found in all surface and groundwaters, which may react with halogens (such as chlorine) to form trihalomethanes (THMs); they must be present in order for THMs to form.
pCi/L (picoCurie per liter)
A measure of radioactivity. One picoCurie of radioactivity is equivalent to 0.037 nuclear disintegrations per second.
float (control)
A device used to measure the elevation of the surface of water. The float rests on the surface of the water and rises or falls with it. The elevation of the water surface is measured by a rod, chain, rope, or tape attached to the float.
polyelectrolyte (POLY-ee-LECK-tro-lite)
A high-molecular-weight substance, having points of positive or negative electrical charges, that is formed by either natural or synthetic processes. Natural polyelectrolytes may be of biological origin or obtained from starch products or cellulose derivatives. Synthetic polyelectrolytes consist of simple substances that have been made into complex, high-molecular-weight substances. Used with other chemical coagulants to aid in binding small suspended particles to larger chemical flocs for their removal from water. Also see polymer.
kilo
A prefix meaning thousand used in the metric system and other scientific system of measurement. For example, 1 kilogram equals 1,000 grams.
