Aeration
The process by which air is introduced to water by mechanical equipment.
Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO)
Normally the result of consultation and review procedures which establish the option which provides the most benefits or alternatively the least damage to the environment as a whole, at acceptable cost, and long-term as well as in the short term.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
A water quality test which provides a measurement of the amount of organic matter in water that can be oxidised by micro-organisms. It is sometimes also referred to as the “biological” oxygen demand.
Carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N)
The ratio of total organic carbon (TOC) to total nitrogen.
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
A water quality test which provides a measurement of the amount of organic matter in water that can be oxidised by a defined set of chemicals (normally potassium dichromate and sulphuric acid in the presence of a silver catalyst). The COD value for any given sample will always normally be greater than the BOD.
COSHH
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999. (A United Kingdom regulation.)
Eutrophication
This is the process whereby pollution (especially nitrates and phosphates) from for example leachate, enters a watercourse. Algae and other aquatic plants, plus microbiological growth and bacteria all use these nutrients in their growth, and in doing so consume oxygen rapidly. When oxygen consumption exceeds the rate of generation by any algae and plants present, and the rate at which atmospheric replenishment takes place, oxygen levels become very low. At this point eutrophication occurs, and normal water life is threatened.
Heavy metals
A term in general use bit but for which the list of metals has not been formally defined. The term generally refers the elements Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Mercury (Hg) and Zinc (Zn).
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