ENVIRONMENTAL
ENGINEERING (CIVIL)
(EEN3700) ASSIGNMENT 1
SOLUTIONS SEMESTER 2 2023
UNIQUE NUMBER: 669146
BMSA TUTORS
PASS GUARANTEED
, Question 1 (5marks)
What are the sources and impact of suspended solids in water. Explain any two
sources and two impacts?
1. Soil Erosion: One of the primary sources of suspended solids in water is soil
erosion. When rainfall or water runoff flows over the ground, it can dislodge
and carry away soil particles. Construction activities, deforestation, and
improper land management practices can exacerbate soil erosion, leading to an
increased influx of sediment into nearby water bodies.
2. Industrial Discharges: Industries such as mining, manufacturing, and
construction may release suspended solids into water bodies through their
effluent discharges. These solids can include fine particles of chemicals,
minerals, and waste materials that are not effectively removed by industrial
treatment processes.
Impacts of Suspended Solids in Water:
1. Water Quality Degradation: The presence of high levels of suspended solids can
significantly degrade water quality. Suspended solids can cloud the water,
reducing visibility and light penetration. This can have adverse effects on
aquatic ecosystems, disrupting natural processes like photosynthesis and
hindering the growth of aquatic plants. Reduced water clarity can also affect fish
and other aquatic species that rely on visual cues for feeding and reproduction.
2. Sedimentation and Siltation: Suspended solids settling and accumulating at the
bottom of water bodies can lead to sedimentation and siltation. Excessive
sedimentation can smother and suffocate benthic organisms, disrupt habitat
structure, and alter streambed characteristics. Siltation can also clog waterways
and drainage systems, reducing the water-carrying capacity of rivers and leading
to increased flooding risk during heavy rainfall events.
ENGINEERING (CIVIL)
(EEN3700) ASSIGNMENT 1
SOLUTIONS SEMESTER 2 2023
UNIQUE NUMBER: 669146
BMSA TUTORS
PASS GUARANTEED
, Question 1 (5marks)
What are the sources and impact of suspended solids in water. Explain any two
sources and two impacts?
1. Soil Erosion: One of the primary sources of suspended solids in water is soil
erosion. When rainfall or water runoff flows over the ground, it can dislodge
and carry away soil particles. Construction activities, deforestation, and
improper land management practices can exacerbate soil erosion, leading to an
increased influx of sediment into nearby water bodies.
2. Industrial Discharges: Industries such as mining, manufacturing, and
construction may release suspended solids into water bodies through their
effluent discharges. These solids can include fine particles of chemicals,
minerals, and waste materials that are not effectively removed by industrial
treatment processes.
Impacts of Suspended Solids in Water:
1. Water Quality Degradation: The presence of high levels of suspended solids can
significantly degrade water quality. Suspended solids can cloud the water,
reducing visibility and light penetration. This can have adverse effects on
aquatic ecosystems, disrupting natural processes like photosynthesis and
hindering the growth of aquatic plants. Reduced water clarity can also affect fish
and other aquatic species that rely on visual cues for feeding and reproduction.
2. Sedimentation and Siltation: Suspended solids settling and accumulating at the
bottom of water bodies can lead to sedimentation and siltation. Excessive
sedimentation can smother and suffocate benthic organisms, disrupt habitat
structure, and alter streambed characteristics. Siltation can also clog waterways
and drainage systems, reducing the water-carrying capacity of rivers and leading
to increased flooding risk during heavy rainfall events.
