CH Water Quality & Management 2

Question 1

Which parameter is most commonly used to assess the oxygen-demanding organic load in a water body?

Accepted Answer

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Answer

BOD measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms decomposing organic matter, directly indicating organic pollution levels.

Question 2

The Clean Water Act Section 303(d) requires states to identify waters that are:

Accepted Answer

Impaired and do not meet water quality standards

Answer

Section 303(d) lists impaired waters that fail to meet water quality standards and requires development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).

Question 3

Eutrophication in lakes is primarily caused by excess loading of which nutrients?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Answer

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus stimulate algal blooms that deplete oxygen and degrade aquatic habitat, causing eutrophication.

Question 4

What does a Secchi disk measurement indicate in water quality monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Water clarity/transparency

Answer

A Secchi disk is lowered into water until it disappears from view; the depth at which it vanishes indicates water transparency.

Question 5

Which water quality standard category protects human health through drinking water consumption and fish ingestion?

Accepted Answer

Human health criteria

Answer

Human health criteria establish maximum contaminant concentrations protective of people who drink water and consume fish from a water body.

(CH) Certified Hydrographer Practice Test