CES Water Quality & Watershed Management 2

Question 1

Which parameter is used to express the oxygen demand exerted by chemical oxidation of inorganic and organic compounds in water?

Accepted Answer

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

Answer

COD measures the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize all oxidizable substances in water, including both biodegradable and non-biodegradable compounds.

Question 2

A watershed's baseflow is primarily sustained by which hydrological process?

Accepted Answer

Groundwater discharge

Answer

Baseflow is maintained by groundwater (subsurface) discharge into streams, which sustains streamflow between storm events.

Question 3

The Clean Water Act Section 303(d) requires states to identify waterbodies that fail to meet water quality standards and develop what for each?

Accepted Answer

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

Answer

Section 303(d) mandates that states list impaired waterbodies and establish TMDLs specifying the maximum pollutant load a water body can receive while still meeting standards.

Question 4

Which type of wetland is most effective at removing nitrate from agricultural runoff through denitrification?

Accepted Answer

Riparian wetland

Answer

Riparian wetlands situated adjacent to streams intercept agricultural runoff and provide anaerobic conditions ideal for denitrification by soil microbes.

Question 5

In the context of stormwater management, what does LID stand for?

Accepted Answer

Low Impact Development

Answer

Low Impact Development (LID) uses decentralized, small-scale practices like bioretention cells and permeable pavement to mimic natural hydrology.

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

CES Water Quality & Watershed Management 2