GEOL 103 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Septic Tank, Leachate, Love Canal
Document Summary
Primary treatment: uses physical processes to remove materials. Secondary treatment: uses microbes to remove suspended solids & oxygen-demanding waste. Sludge: the material that settles at the bottom of the chamber during primary treatment. Septic systems: settling tank: solids separated & bacterial breakdown begins, leaching or absorption field: liquid with remaining dissolved organic matter seeps out of porous pipes, soil microorganisms and oxygen complete breakdown of organic matter. It has a high calorific value, is a clean fuel with no residue/smoke, economical, can be supplied by pipeline, and burns readily (conveniently). Problems with waste treatment: costly and produces its own waste in the form of sludge. Leachate: water that infiltrates into the landfill and carries away dissolved chemicals from the refuse. Portion of waste types disposed into municipal landfills: 35. 7% paper, 12. 2% yard waste, 11. 4% food waste, 11. 1% plastic, 7. 9% metal, 5. 7% wood, 7. 1% rubber/leather/textiles, 3. 4% other. Portion of solid us waste generators: 39% animals, 38% mineral extraction, 14% crops, 5%
