CONFIDENTIAL

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

SCHEME
FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER I
SESSION 2013/2014

COURSE NAME : ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

COURSE CODE : BFC 32403
PROGRAMME : 3 BFF CONFIDENTIAL
EXAMINATION DATE : JANUARY 2014
DURATION : 3 HOURS
INSTRUCTION : ANSWER FIVE (5) QUESTIONS
ONLY

THIS QUESTION PAPER CONSISTS OF SIX (6) PAGES

Q1 (a) Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
(2 marks)
 BFC 32403

EIA is essentially a planning tool for preventing environmental

problems due to action. It seeks to avoid costly mistakes in project
implementation, or modifications in order to make the action
environmentally acceptable. In Malaysia, EIA is required under section
34A of the EQA. 2m

(b) List FOUR (4) laws under Department of Environment (DOE) that are
responsible for dangerous products and wastes.
(4 marks)

 Petroleum Development Act 1974

 Petroleum Mining Act 1966
 Petroleum (Safety Measures) Act 1984
 Dangerous Trade Enactment
 Poisons Act 1955
 Poisons (Agricultural and Industrial) Ordinance
 Pesticides Act 1974
 Explosives Act 1975
(Any 4 relevant points x 1= 4 m)

(c) Desribe briefly the function of National Water Services Commision Act
2006 (Act 654).
(6
marks)

 to implement and enforce the water supply and sewerage services laws
and to recommend reforms to the water supply and sewerage services laws;
2m
 to ensure the productivity of the water supply and sewerage services
industry and the monitoring of operators’ compliance with stipulated
services standards, contractual obligations and relevant laws and guidelines;
2m
 to ensure national development goals pertaining to coverage, supply
and access to water supply services and sewerage services are achieved; 2m

(c) Discuss in detail with the aid of illustration on how the generation of
greenhouse gases can lead to global warming phenomenon.
(10 marks)
 One of the first things scientists learned is that there are several greenhouse
gases responsible for warming, and humans emit them in a variety of ways.
 Most come from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars, factories and
electricity production. The gas responsible for the most warming is carbon
dioxide, CO2.

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 BFC 32403

 Other contributors include methane released from landfills and agriculture

(especially from the digestive systems of grazing animals), nitrous oxide from
fertilizers, gases used for refrigeration and industrial processes, and the loss
of forests that would otherwise store CO2.
 Different greenhouse gases have very different heat-trapping abilities.
 Some of them can even trap more heat than CO2. A molecule of methane
produces more than 20 times the warming of a molecule of CO2.
 Nitrous oxide is 300 times more powerful than CO2.
 Other gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (which have been banned in much
of the world because they also degrade the ozone layer), have heat-trapping
potential thousands of times greater than CO2. But because their
concentrations are much lower than CO2, none of these gases adds as much
warmth to the atmosphere as CO2 does.

3m

 the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere keeps the temperature on
Earth suitable to live – natural greenhouse effect
 nevertheless, human activities alter the chemical composition of the
atmosphere by emitting greenhouse gases (mostly from the use of fossil fuels)
 Natural Earth dynamics + anthropogenic activities = enhanced greenhouse
effect that captured unnecessary heat produced by the sun and eventually
cause global warming

(Any 7 relevant points x 1= 7 m)

Q2 (a) Differentiate between carbonate hardness (CH) and noncarbonate hardness

(NCH) with ONE (1) example each.
(4 marks)

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 BFC 32403

CH NCH
Ca and Mg associated with CO32- Ca and Mg associated with Cl-,
atau HCO3-. NO3-, SO42-.

Temporary hardness Permanent hardness

Could be removed by heating the Could be removed through
water chemical process

,
Ca(HCO3)2, CaCO3, CaCl2, CaSO4, Ca(NO3)2, MgCl2,
Mg(HCO3)2, MgCO3 CaSO4, Mg(NO3)2
(1
point x1/2 = ½ m)

(b) With the aid of illustration list FOUR (4) main zones of DO sag curve.
(4 marks)

4m

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 BFC 32403

(c) Bacterial cells have been represented by the chemical formula C 5H7NO2.
Compute the theoretical oxygen demand of 30 mg/L of bacterial cells,
assuming the following reactions apply
C5H7NO2 + O2 = CO2 + H2O + NH3
NH3 + O2 = NO3 + H+ + H2O
(6 marks)
C5H7NO2 + 5O2 = 5CO2 + 2H2O + NH3 1m
NH3 + 2O2 = NO3 + H+ + H2O 1m

The molecular weights (grams) of the reactants

Bacterial cells = 5C=60, 7H=7, 1N= 14 2O=32, = 113 1m
Oxygen =5(2)O=160 1m

The ThOD of 30 mg/L of bacterial cells is

(30 mg/L bacterial cells)(160 g O2/113 g bacterial cells) 1m
=42.5 mg/L O2 1m

(d) Using Thomas’s graphical method, calculate the BOD rate constant from
the following data tabulated in Table Q2:

Table Q2
Time (day) BOD( mg/L)
2 86
5 169
10 236
20 273
35 279
1
 t  3
(i) Plot the graph of   versus time.
 BODt 
(ii) Calculate the rate constant, k using k = 6 (B/A)
(iii) Calculate ultimate BOD, Lo using Lo= 1/6(A2)(B)

(6 marks)

(i) Lukis Graph 2m

(ii)
A = 0.2787 1m
B = 0.0065 1m

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 BFC 32403

(iii) k= 6(B/A)
= 6(0.0065/0.2787)
= 0.14 / day 1m

(iii) Lo = 1/6(A)2(B)
= 330 mg/L 1m

Q3 (a) List FOUR (4) differences between groundwater and surface water.
(4 marks)

Groundwater Surface water

Constant composition Variable composition

High mineral content Low mineral content

Low turbidity High turbidity
Low colored colored

Low or no DO DO present

High hardness Low hardness

(1 point x1/2 = ½ m)

(b) Explain the formation of hardness in natural water with the aid of
illustration.
(6 marks)

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 BFC 32403

(4 point x1 = 4 m for illustration)

(Any 2 relevant points x 1 = 2m for the explanation)
(c) From the water analysis in Table Q3,
(i) Plot a bar chat of the water describe.
(ii) Determine total hardness, carbonate hardness and noncarbonate
hardness
(iii) Determine the amount of lime and soda (in mg/L as CaCO3) to
soften the water to 80 mg/L hardness as CaCO3, according to the
flowchart in Figure Q3.
(10 marks)
Table Q3:

Water composition (mg/L)

Ca2+ 91.5
Mg2+ 11.3
Na+ 27.6
CO2 19.4
HCO3- 182.0
SO42- 43.8
Cl- 17.3

1) Convert the elements or compound to CaCO3 equivalent

Ion mg/L EW CaCO3/ EW ion mg/L CaCO3

Ca2+ 91.5 2.5 228.4

Mg2+ 11.3 4.1 46.5
Na+ 27.6 4.4 120.1
HCO3- 182.0 1.6 298.7
SO42- 43.8 1.1 46.0
Cl- 17.3 2.9 50.2
CO2 19.4 2.3 44.1

1m
2) Prepare bar chart
44.1 0 228.4 274.9 395.0
+
CO2 Ca 2+ 2+
Mg Na

CO2 HCO3- SO42- Cl-

44.1 0 298.7 344.7 395.0

1m

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 BFC 32403

*From the bar chart:

i. CO2 does not contribute to the hardness
ii. Total Hardness (TH) = 293.4 mg/L CaCO3 1m
iii. Carbonaceous Hardness (CH) = 198.0 mg/L CaCO31m
iv. Non-Carbonaceous Hardness (NCH)
= TH – CH = 293.4 – 198.0 = 95.4 mg/L CaCO31m
3) Determine lime dose

Step Dose (mg/L CaCO3)

CO2 44.1
HCO3- 228.4
Mg2+ - 40 = 46.5 – 40 6.5 *(Mg2+ - 40) < 20
Therefore, add lime 20 mg/L
+ 20.0
∑ lime = 299.0

Therefore, the amount of lime to add is 299.0 mg/L CaCO3 3m

4) Determine if any NCH to be removed

*Amount of NCHf = final hardness desired – CH left

= 80 mg/L – 40 mg/L
= 40 mg/L

*Amount of NCHr = NCHi - NCHf

= 95.4 mg/L – 40 mg/L
= 55.4 mg/L

Therefore, the amount of soda ash to be added = 55.4 mg/L CaCO3 2m

===========================================================
Q4 (a) A mix of domestic and small scale industrial wastewater is to be treated
using the conventional treatment method. Explain the difference between
pretreatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment and tertiary
treatment.
(8 marks)

Answer :
Pretreatment; Several devices and structures are used for primary treatment such as;
Bar Racks : to remove large object such as rags, textile, tree branches etc. that might enter
treatment facility and damage pumps, valves and other mechanical equipment.
Grit Chambers : is an important component that would remove silt, sand, pebbles, broken
glass etc from entering the treatment facilities that would also damage pumps and other

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 BFC 32403

devices.
(2 marks)
Primary Treatment; During primary treatment, wastewater is directed and kept for a
certain period of time (retention time) in rectangular or circular tanks in order to remove
at least 30% of the pollutant mainly in the form of suspended solids through the process
of sedimentation.
(2 marks)
Secondary Treatment; is actually the biological process by which the wastewater
undergone treatment process with the help of microorganisms which react with the
wastewater and remove the pollutants. The population of microorganisms in the tanks is
very critical. The population must be enough in order for the pollutants to be removed
from the wastewater. Enough nutrients must also be supplied. Supply of oxygen is done
through aerators in aerobic type of reaction but in anaerobic reaction no supply of oxygen
is required. But in anaerobic reaction, the product of the reaction must be controlled
because it consists of flammable gas (methane) and poisonous gas (ammonia and
hydrogen sulfide). Secondary treatment usually removes up to 99% of the organic
pollutant.
(2 marks)
Tertiary Treatment; tertiary treatment is only required if effluent from the secondary
treatment did not comply with the discharge standards. Tertiary treatment also required to
remove nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate from the secondary effluent before
discharge to water bodies.
(2 mark)

Note : [Level of question is Level 1 & 2 (knowledge and comprehension) of Bloom

Taxonomy]

(b) In a wastewater treatment system, F/M ratio is an important element in

determining the efficiency of treatment. For a wastewater treatment
system, explain the importance of F/M ratio and define F and M terms of
BOD5 and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS).
(3 marks)

Answer: F/M ratio is the ratio of Food (substrate in wastewater) to Microorganism

(population) in wastewater. F/M ratio will indicate the performance of the wastewater
treatment system (the reactor) especially the activated sludge process. The F/M ratio is
controlled by wasting part of the microbial mass, thereby reducing MLVSS. A high rate
of wasting causes a high F/M ratio (high food saturation) resulting in poor efficiency. On
the other hand low rate of wasting causes low F/M ratio causing the microbes to starve.
This will trigger higher oxygen demand (BOD) and result in more degradation of the
waste. There must a trade off between high and low F/M ratio as low F/M ratio require
longer retention time.
(3 marks)
Note : [Level of question is Level 3 (application) of Bloom Taxonomy]

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 BFC 32403

(b) A private residential area with 300 homes (with average of 5 persons in
every home) discharged 500 liters of wastewater per head per day. The
average soluble BOD after primary settling is 550 mg/L. The aeration tank
has dimensions of 10 m width by 10 m long and 4 m deep. The plant is
operated with values of MLVSS of 2500 mg/L and MLSS of 1.20
(MLVSS). Calculate the aeration period and F/M ratio.

If settled sludge volume after 30 minutes is 200 mg/L, calculate also the SVI
and solids concentration in return sludge.
(9 marks)

Answer;

(10m)(10m)(4m)
a) Aeration period,    0.53d =
(300 hom es ) 5 person / hom e  (0.5m 3 / person / d )
12.8 hrs.
(3 marks)

b) F/M Ratio;
F QS 0 (300 hom es) 5 person / hom e  (0.5 3 / person / d )(500 g / m 3 )
   0.33 mg/mg.d
M VX (450m 3 ) x(2500mg / L)
(3
marks)

SV 200mL / L
c) SVI; SVI  x1000mg / g  (1000mg / g )  66.67 mL/g
MLSS (1.20)(2500mg / L)
(2
marks)
10 6
d) Solids concentration in return sludge, Xr =  15,000 mg/L (1
66.67
mark)

Note : [Level of question is Level 4 and 5 (analysis and synthesis) of Bloom Taxonomy]

Q5 (a) In solid waste management, the concept of 3R (Reduce, Recover and

Recycle) is very important to be implemented;
(i) Describe separately what meant by Reduce, Recover and Recycle. (3 marks)

Reduce, reuse and recycle (R3) are the three essential components of
environmentally-responsible consumer behavior.R3 is sometimes called the waste
hierarchy. Here's how that hierarchy might apply to computers:

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 BFC 32403

 The concept behind the first R, reduce, is that you should limit the number of
purchases that you make in the first place. So, for example, you might limit your
household to a single computer.
(1mark)
 The concept behind the second R, reuse, is that you should reuse items as much
as possible before replacing them. For example, it generally makes more
environmental sense to update your computer rather than get rid of it and buy a
new one. However, if you do replace your computer, you should ensure that it, or
its components, are reused. Many charitable organizations welcome donations of
second-hand computers.
(1 mark)
 The concept behind the third R, recycle, is that you should ensure that items or
their components are put to some new purpose as much as possible. If your
computer is not fit for reuse as is, you can donate it to one of several
organizations, such as StRUT (Students Recycling Used Technology), which will
refurbish it or recycle its components.
(1 mark)

(ii) Discuss how you are going to implement this 3R concept in a school which
consists of 1000 students. (5 marks)

How can schools initiate a Waste ReductionProgram:

Schools accrue significant amounts of municipal solid waste. The waste can consist
of food waste, plastic, glass, white and mixed paper, corrugated cardboard,
magazines and journals, or newspapers. Other forms of hazardous waste from
schools include batteries, expired medicines, hardware such as computers, laptops,
printers and more.

Keeping in mind the motto to "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Buy Recycled", any school
can initiate and effectively implement a waste reduction program and reduce waste
generation significantly. Since waste is generated communally in school, it should be
reduced using the collective efforts of the staff and students. School officials have an
important role to play here as they have an opportunity to influence many lives

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 BFC 32403

around them. Teaching the importance of waste reduction can help students make
wise decisions in their personal lives as well.
(5 marks)

(b) A transfer station is going to be built to manage solid waste produced by a

town consisting of few residential areas, a commercial center and an industrial
estate. Perform an analysis regarding the advantages and disadvantages of
constructing a transfer station for that town.
(5 marks)

Advantages Disadvantages
1 Provide facilities for High capital cost to start the project
implementation of 3R concept (high cost to build, operate and
maintain building and equipments)
2 Jobs for locals Very little profit thus very long
return for capital investment
3 People can personally sent their Transfer station might be a nuisance
unwanted items to be reused and to locals due to unsightly, odor,
recycled thus generate personal proliferation of vectors, spread of
income litter by gusts of wind
4 Less MSW going to landfill thus
prolonged landfill life
5 Less global environmental
pollution due to these activities
Any 5 will be given (5 marks)

(c) A community of 30,000 people generates solid waste at a rate of 2 kg per person
per day. It is compacted in a sanitary landfill to a unit weight of 500 kg/m3. After
1 year of operation, to what depth will a 15 hectare landfill be covered if only 1
hectare is used? Assume the MSW : Daily Cover ratio is of 4:1.
(7 marks)

Amount of solid waste generated in 1 year

= 30,000 people x 2 kg/person/day x 365 days

= 21,900,000 kg = 21,900 metric tons (1 mark)

The MSW is compacted in a landfill to weight of 500 kg/m3

Therefore volume occupied by MSW after 1 year

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 BFC 32403

MSW Volume = Mass = 21,900,000 kg = 43,800 m3

Density 500 kg/m3
(2 marks)

Plus volume of earth material daily cover which is ratio of 4:1

Means every 4 MSW volume there will be an additional 1 volume of earth

Therefore volume of earth used 43,800 = 10,950 m3

4
Total volume of earth + earth cover material = 43,800 + 10,950 = 54,750 m3
(2 marks)

Area of landfill = 15 hectares = 150,000 m2, but only 1 hectare is used

1 hectare = 10,000 m2

Therefore thickness of MSW after 1 year = Volume = 54,750 m3 = 5.475 m

Area 10,000 m2
(2 marks)

Q6 (a) Discuss the effects of the conditions listed below in the dispersion of air
pollutants.

(i) Downwind distance

 The greater the downwind distance between the point of discharge and
a ground level receptor downwind, the greater will be the volume af air
available for diluting the contaminant discharge before it reaches the
receptor
(2 marks)
(iii) Wind speed and direction
 The wind speed will determine the plume rise and the rate of mixing or
dilution of the contaminated gases as they leave discharge point.
Increase in wind speed will increase the rate of pollutant dilution thus
lowering the downwind concentration faster. The wind direction
determines the direction the contaminated gas stream will move accross
the local terrain.

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 BFC 32403

(2 marks)
(iv) Atmospheric stability
 A very stable atmosphere is not good in dispersing and diluting the
pollutants. Thus an unstable the atmosphere is needed as it will have a
greater power to dilute and disperse pollutant to a level that acceptable
to humans and animals as well as plants.
(2 marks)

(b) Explain (with the help of diagrams) the principles of each of these gadgets
in controlling air pollution.

(i) Absorption tower

Control devices based on principle of absorption

attempt to transfer the pollutant from a gas
phase into a liquid phase. This is a mass transfer
process by which the gas pollutant dissolved
into the liquid. The removal of pollutants takes
place in three steps;
1. Diffusion of pollutant into the surface of
liquid
2. Transfer across the gas/liquid interphase
3. Diffusion of dissolve gas away fron interface
into the liquid
The process takes place in spray chambers towers or
columns (3 marks)

(ii) Cyclones

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 BFC 32403

Cyclones operate to collect relatively large

size particulate matter from a gaseous
stream through the use of centrifugal
forces. Dust laden gas is made to rotate in a
decreasing diameter pathway forcing solids
to the outer edge of the gas stream for
deposition into the bottom of the cyclone.
Efficiencies of 90% in particle sizes of 10
microns or greater are possible.
(3 marks)

(iii) Liquid scrubbing

The goal in absorption and wet scrubbing

equipment is the removal of gases and
particulate matter from an exhaust stream by
causing the gaseous contamination to become
dissolved into the liquid stream and the solids
to be entrained in the liquid. The rate of gas
transfer into the liquid is dependent upon the
solubility, mass transfer mechanism, and
equilibrium concentration of the gas in
solution. Gas collection efficiencies in the
range of 99% are possible. The rate of
particulate matter collection at constant
pressure drops is inversely proportional to the
aerodynamic mean diameter of the particulate
matter and scrubber droplets. (3 marks)

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 BFC 32403

(c) Sketch and explain the function of a catalytic converter in controlling emission of
pollutants originating from car exhaust.

A catalytic converter is a vehicle emissions control device which

converts toxic byproducts of combustion in the exhaust of an internal
combustion engine to less toxic substances by way of catalyzed chemical
reactions. The specific reactions vary with the type of catalyst installed. Most
present-day vehicles that run on gasoline are fitted with a “three-way”
converter, so named because it converts the three main pollutants in
automobile exhaust:carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbon and oxides of
nitrogen. The first two undergo catalytic combustion and the last is reduced
back to nitrogen
(5 marks)

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