Environmental Engineering II – Model Answer Sheet
Q.1
(a) Define wastewater and explain different sources of wastewater. (5)
- Wastewater: Used water containing impurities (suspended, dissolved, or biological).
- Sources:
- Domestic (household activities like bathing, washing, toilet)
- Industrial (factories, processing units)
- Commercial (shops, markets, institutions)
- Stormwater (rainfall runoff from streets, roofs)
(b) Importance of estimating wastewater quantity. (5)
- Helps design sewer systems properly
- Ensures capacity for future population growth
- Prevents overflow and flooding
- Ensures safe treatment and disposal
Q.2
(a) Types of wastewater collection systems. (6)
- Separate system – Two pipes (one for sewage, one for stormwater)
- Combined system – One pipe for both sewage and stormwater
- Partially separate system – Combination of both
(b) Advantages & disadvantages of combined system. (4)
- Advantages:
- Lower construction cost
- Only one set of pipes needed
- Disadvantages:
- Difficult to treat combined flow
- Overload during heavy rainfall
Q.3
(a) Manning's formula and application. (6)
- Formula: V = (1/n) R^(2/3) S^(1/2)
- V = velocity, n = roughness coefficient, R = hydraulic radius, S = slope
- Applications:
- Design of sewers
- Stormwater drains
- Open channels
(b) Self-cleansing velocity. (4)
- Minimum velocity required to prevent solids deposition
- Keeps sewer clean automatically
- Reduces maintenance cost
Q.4
(a) Construction and maintenance of sewers. (6)
- Construction steps:
- Trenching
- Pipe laying
- Jointing
- Testing
- Backfilling
- Maintenance:
- Flushing
- Rodding
- Jet cleaning
- Manhole inspection
(b) Sewer appurtenances. (4)
- Manholes – for inspection and maintenance
- Drop manholes – for sudden level changes
- Flushing tanks – to clean sewers
- Storm regulators – to control excess flow
Q.5
(a) Characteristics of wastewater. (6)
- Physical – color, odor, turbidity, solids
- Chemical – pH, BOD, COD, nutrients (N, P)
- Biological – bacteria, viruses, pathogens
(b) Significance of BOD and COD. (4)
- BOD – Oxygen demand for biological decomposition; indicates organic pollution
- COD – Oxygen demand for chemical oxidation; faster test than BOD
Q.6
(a) Treatment processes. (6)
- Preliminary – screening, grit removal
- Primary – sedimentation
- Secondary – activated sludge process, trickling filters, oxidation ponds
(b) Tertiary treatment. (4)
- Advanced treatment methods
- Nutrient removal (N, P)
- Filtration (sand, membranes)
- Disinfection (chlorination, UV, ozone)
Q.7
(a) Septic tank working. (6)
- Underground tank used in rural/semi-urban areas
- Sludge settles at bottom
- Scum floats at top
- Effluent flows to soak pit
- Partial anaerobic digestion of organic matter
(b) Advantages & limitations. (4)
- Advantages: Simple, low cost, easy to operate, suitable for rural use
- Limitations: Not suitable for dense population, provides only partial treatment,
requires periodic cleaning
Q.8
(a) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). (6)
- Study to predict environmental impacts of a project before execution
- Ensures safe disposal of wastes
- Protects natural resources
- Helps in government approvals
(b) Sustainability of sanitation services. (4)
- Ensures long-term safe and reliable sanitation
- Methods:
- Reuse of treated wastewater
- Resource recovery (biogas, fertilizers)
- Energy efficiency in treatment plants
- Community participation
Total Marks: 80 (10 marks each question)
Time: 3 hours
