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GLOSSARY OF WATER PURIFICATION AND HEALTH TERMS.
This Glossary is not meant to be all-encompassing but instead contains terms used in the different forms of purification and separation.
AAMI: |
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation – sets the standards for kidney dialysis-grade water.
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absolute |
When referring to filters is used in reference to the micron rating of cartridge or disc filters, indicating that all particles larger than a specified size will be trapped within or on the filter and will not pass through.
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absorb |
The process by which a liquid penetrates the solid structure of the absorbent’s fibers or particles, which then swell in size to accommodate the liquid.
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absorption |
The process of taking up a substance into the physical structure of a liquid or solid by physical or chemical action, but without chemical reaction.
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ACFM: |
ACFM means actual cubic feet per minute. In air and gas streams the ACFM is the actual flow. When corrected for pressure and temperature, ACFM can be correlated to SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute).
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acid |
a substance that has a pH of less than 7, which is neutral. Specifically, an acid has more free hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxyl ions (OH-).
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acid rain |
Rainfall below the natural pH range, caused by contact with atmospheric pollutants such as nitric and sulfuric oxides and carbon monoxide.
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activated carbon |
Granulated activated carbon used to remove tastes, odor, chlorine, chloramines, and some organics from water
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activated clay |
An adsorbent clay that removes color, odor, free fatty acids, etc., from oils and tallows.
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admix |
Medium that is added directly into the batch tank of pre-coat to create a permeable filter cake. Usually used in place of body feed.
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adsorb |
The act of selectively attracting and holding a gas, vapor, liquid, chemical or colloid onto the surface of a solid.
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adsorption |
The process by which molecules, colloids, or particles adhere to the surfaces by physical action but without chemical reaction.
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aeration |
The process of adding air to a water supply for the purpose of oxidizing or mixing.
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aerosols |
Liquid droplets or solid particles dispersed in air or gases, of fine enough particle size (0.01 to 100 µm) to remain so dispersed for a period of time. Generally removed by coalescing filters.
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agglomerate |
The process of bringing together smaller divisions into a larger mass.
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alkaline |
sometimes water or soils contain an amount of alkali (strongly basic) substances sufficient to raise the pH value above 7.0 and be harmful to the growth of crops.
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alkalinity |
Capacity for neutralizing acid, usually due to presence of bicarbonate or carbonate ions. Hydroxide, borate, silicate, or phosphate ions may contribute to alkalinity in treated waters.
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anaerobic bacteria |
An anaerobic organism or anaerobe is any organism that does not require oxygen for growth.
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angstrom |
A unit of length equaling 10 -10 meters, 10 -4 microns, 10 -8 centimeters, and 4 x 10 -9 inches. The symbol is Å.
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anion |
Negatively-charged ion in a solution.
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antimicrobial |
An additive, material, fluid or chemical that inhibits and kills the growth of micro-organisms on contact.
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aquaculture |
farming of plants and animals that live in water, such as fish, shellfish, and algae.
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aqueduct |
a pipe, conduit, or channel designed to transport water from a remote source, usually by gravity.
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aquifer |
Natural, underground porous formation where mineral-bearing water flows or is stored. Source of well water.
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artesian water |
ground water that is under pressure when tapped by a well and is able to rise above the level at which it is first encountered. It may or may not flow out at ground level. The pressure in such an aquifer commonly is called artesian pressure, and the formation containing artesian water is an artesian aquifer or confined aquifer.
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artificial recharge |
an process where water is put back into ground-water storage from surface-water supplies such as irrigation, or induced infiltration from streams or wells.
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asbestos |
A fibrous silicate material, chiefly calcium magnesium silicate; a noncombustible, nonconducting, and chemical-resistant material; a known lung carcinogen.
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atmosphere (unit) |
A unit measurement of pressure. The air pressure at sea level: 1013.25 hPa (Hectopascals) - (1 atm = 1013.25 hPa).
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atrazine |
A photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicide often used to kill weeds and quack grass that can affect the cardiovascular and reproductive systems.
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