Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z5 random terms from our glossary
redox reaction (REE-docks)
A 2-part reaction between 2 ions involving a transfer of electrons from 1 ion to the other. Oxidation is the loss of electrons by 1 ion, and reduction is the acceptance of electrons by the other ion. Reduction refers to the lowering of the oxidation state/oxidation number of the ion accepting the electrons. In a redox reaction, the ion that gives up the electrons (that is oxidized) is called the reductant (or reducing agent) because it causes a reduction in the oxidation state or number of the ion that accepts the transferred electrons. The ion that receives the electrons (that is reduced) is called the oxidant (or oxidizing agent) because it causes oxidation of the other ion. Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously.
ion exchange
A water or wastewater treatment process involving the reversible interchange (switching) of ions between the water being treated and the solid resin contained within an ion exchange unit. Undesirable ions are exchanged with acceptable ions on the resin or recoverable ions in the water being treated are exchanged with other acceptable ions on the resin.
cross-connection
A connection between a drinking (potable) water system and an unapproved water supply or between a storm drain system and a wastewater collection system. Less frequently, a connection between 2 sections of a collection system to handle anticipated overloads of the system.
meg
(1) Abbreviation of megohm. (2) A procedure used for checking the insulation resistance on motors, feeders, bus bar systems, grounds, and branch circuit wiring. Also see megger.
picoCurie (PEE-ko-KYOOR-ee)
A measure of radioactivity. One picoCurie (pCi) of radioactivity is equivalent to 0.037 nuclear disintegrations per second.
