AALSO Level 1 Operator Certification Exam
Questions and Answers Verified 100% Correct
Universal solvent
Polarity of the molecule, many substances can be dissolved in it
Cohesion
Water's affinity for "staying together" or staying intact
Adhesion
Water's affinity for "breaking off" or sticking to another substance
pH
Measures the activity of the hydrogen ions in a substance; high activity, low pH; low activity,
high pH
Testing for pH
Probe with a glass bulb and low voltage, or a chemical substance with a known reaction to pH
Temperature
The kinetic energy (motion) of the molecules in a substance. Measured with a thermometer or
a temperature probe.
Salinity
Measurement of salt ion concentration in water. Measured with a refractometer or by
conductivity.
Total Ammonia Nitrogen
Primarily a concern at higher pH levels, consists of ammonia and ammonium. Tested with a
reagent.
Nitrogen cycle
, Ammonia oxidized to nitrite by nitrosomonas, and then oxidized into nitrate with nitrobacter
Bacteria
Testing for coliform bacteria is done with membrane filtration or a plate count
Alkalinity
A measure of water's resistance to changes in pH (buffering capacity). Measured as
carbonate/bicarbonate with an acid titration.
Centrifugal pumps
Water enters the impeller and creates pressure as water exits the pump. Pumps are not self-
priming, but can be submersible or air-cooled. Converts electric energy to kinetic energy to
pressure.
Diaphragm pump
Positive displacement pump, requires a membrane to move water in and out and the use of
check valves.
Peristaltic pumps
Positive displacement pump, non-submersible, low flow, good for dosing chemicals,
supplements, and food. Pinched tubing creates pressure.
Sand filter
Mechanical filtration, high surface area, backwashing required.
Activated carbon
Can be used in place of sand filter, high surface area due to the carbon's molecular structure
Screen filters
Water is pushed through holes in the filter while other material stays behind, useful for small
operations and small amounts of water but are easily clogged in large operations.
Questions and Answers Verified 100% Correct
Universal solvent
Polarity of the molecule, many substances can be dissolved in it
Cohesion
Water's affinity for "staying together" or staying intact
Adhesion
Water's affinity for "breaking off" or sticking to another substance
pH
Measures the activity of the hydrogen ions in a substance; high activity, low pH; low activity,
high pH
Testing for pH
Probe with a glass bulb and low voltage, or a chemical substance with a known reaction to pH
Temperature
The kinetic energy (motion) of the molecules in a substance. Measured with a thermometer or
a temperature probe.
Salinity
Measurement of salt ion concentration in water. Measured with a refractometer or by
conductivity.
Total Ammonia Nitrogen
Primarily a concern at higher pH levels, consists of ammonia and ammonium. Tested with a
reagent.
Nitrogen cycle
, Ammonia oxidized to nitrite by nitrosomonas, and then oxidized into nitrate with nitrobacter
Bacteria
Testing for coliform bacteria is done with membrane filtration or a plate count
Alkalinity
A measure of water's resistance to changes in pH (buffering capacity). Measured as
carbonate/bicarbonate with an acid titration.
Centrifugal pumps
Water enters the impeller and creates pressure as water exits the pump. Pumps are not self-
priming, but can be submersible or air-cooled. Converts electric energy to kinetic energy to
pressure.
Diaphragm pump
Positive displacement pump, requires a membrane to move water in and out and the use of
check valves.
Peristaltic pumps
Positive displacement pump, non-submersible, low flow, good for dosing chemicals,
supplements, and food. Pinched tubing creates pressure.
Sand filter
Mechanical filtration, high surface area, backwashing required.
Activated carbon
Can be used in place of sand filter, high surface area due to the carbon's molecular structure
Screen filters
Water is pushed through holes in the filter while other material stays behind, useful for small
operations and small amounts of water but are easily clogged in large operations.
