A solution that minimizes changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

A solution that minimizes changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

• A. Biomass
• B. Buffer
• C. Bulking
• D. CBOD

Answer: (B)

A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added. This happens because it contains a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid, which react with any added hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH−). In doing so, the buffer neutralizes the added acid or base and keeps the pH from fluctuating widely. In wastewater treatment, buffering comes from alkalinity, mainly bicarbonate and carbonate species in the water. This natural buffering helps maintain a stable pH during processes that can release acids or consume bases, such as chemical dosing or biological activity. A stable pH is crucial for the efficiency of microbial processes and for protecting equipment. Biomass refers to the microorganisms present, bulking is a sludge settle-ability problem, and CBOD is a measure of carbonaceous oxygen demand. None of these describe a substance that resists pH changes like a buffer does, which is why the buffer is the correct concept here.

A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added. This happens because it contains a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid, which react with any added hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH−). In doing so, the buffer neutralizes the added acid or base and keeps the pH from fluctuating widely.

In wastewater treatment, buffering comes from alkalinity, mainly bicarbonate and carbonate species in the water. This natural buffering helps maintain a stable pH during processes that can release acids or consume bases, such as chemical dosing or biological activity. A stable pH is crucial for the efficiency of microbial processes and for protecting equipment.

Biomass refers to the microorganisms present, bulking is a sludge settle-ability problem, and CBOD is a measure of carbonaceous oxygen demand. None of these describe a substance that resists pH changes like a buffer does, which is why the buffer is the correct concept here.