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GLOSSARY <br /> WASTEWATER TREATMENT TERMINOLOGY <br /> Activated sludge process —A process used for purification of wastewater by mixing partially processed solids with <br /> incoming wastewater for sufficient time to permit transfer of nutrients to the fresh waste. <br /> Advanced waste treatment — Any physical, chemical, or biological process that accomplishes a degree of treat- <br /> ment higher than secondary. <br /> Aeration — The method of mixing air and liquid. Aeration may be accomplished in any portion of the system in <br /> which wastewater is held or through which it is transferred. <br /> Aeration period —The period of time wastewater is subjected to aeration. <br /> Aerator—A device that induces and/or injects air into the wastewater. <br /> Aerobic —A condition characterized by an excess of dissolved oxygen which enables organisms to metabolize or <br /> grow. <br /> Aerobic bacteria —Organisms that require dissolved oxygen to metabolize or grow. <br /> Agglomeration —The self-collection of dispersed suspended matter into large, heavier masses, thus causing more <br /> rapid settling. <br /> Airlift —A device for raising liquid by injecting air in or near the bottom of a pipe submerged in the liquid to be <br /> raised. <br /> Algae — Primitive plants, one or many-celled, usually aquatic and capable of synthesizing nutrients from carbon <br /> dioxide and water by photosynthesis. <br /> Alkaline— A pH higher than 7.0. <br /> Anaerobic —Requiring, or not destroyed by, the absence of oxygen. <br /> Anaerobic bacteria — Bacteria which thrive in the absence of oxygen and survive by breaking down complex <br /> organic substances. <br /> Backflow—Water flowing through a conduit or channel in a direction opposite to the normal flow. <br /> Backflow preventer—Any device or method used to prevent backflow. <br /> Bacteria —A group of unicellular microscopic organisms lacking chlorophyll. <br /> Bacteria coliform group —A group of bacteria, generally found in the intestines of man and animals, but may also <br /> be found on vegetation. <br /> Basin—A shallow depression or tank. <br /> Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) —A measure of the oxygen needed by bacteria and microorganisms for the <br /> digestion of organic substances. <br /> Biological process —Activities of living organisms which sustain life, growth, and reproduction. The process by <br /> which organisms reduce complex organic material into simpler form. <br />