Question 1

Which process is primarily responsible for the environmental problem known as acid mine drainage in coal-mining regions?

Accepted Answer

Microbial oxidation of metal sulfides, such as pyrite, resulting in acidic conditions

Question 2

During microbial leaching of copper ores, which compound is formed and is highly water-soluble, facilitating copper recovery?

Accepted Answer

CuSO4

Question 3

What is the initiator reaction in the degradation of pyrite ($$FeS_2) $$that sets the stage for bacterial oxidation?

Accepted Answer

$$FeS_2 + 3/2$$ $$O_2 + H_2O$$ \rightarrow $$Fe^{2+} + 2SO$$_$$4^{2-} + 2H^+$$

Question 4

Which of the following is a major goal of wastewater treatment facilities?

Accepted Answer

To reduce organic and inorganic materials to levels that no longer support microbial growth

Question 5

In the secondary treatment of wastewater, which process is most commonly used for aerobic decomposition?

Accepted Answer

Activated sludge and trickling filter methods

Question 6

Which equation best represents the oxidation of copper sulfide ($$CuS) by $$oxygen-dependent microbial activity?

Accepted Answer

$$CuS + 2O_2 \rightarrow Cu$$^{2+}$$ + SO_4$^{2-}$$

Question 7

Which microbial process is responsible for the rapid crown corrosion of concrete sewer lines?

Accepted Answer

Microbial sulfur cycle involving sulfate-reducing and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria

Question 8

What is the primary environmental concern when acid mine drainage mixes with natural waters?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in pH and increase in toxic dissolved metals

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in bioremediation of oil spills?

Accepted Answer

They attach to oil droplets, decompose the oil, and disperse the slick

Question 10

In tertiary wastewater treatment, what is the main purpose of further processing secondary effluent?

Accepted Answer

To reduce levels of inorganic nutrients such as phosphate and nitrate

Question 11

Which microbial process occurs in the anaerobic zone of tertiary wastewater treatment and involves the release of polyphosphate?

Accepted Answer

Degradation of intracellular glycogen and release of polyphosphate as extracellular orthophosphate

Question 12

Which equation represents the production of sulfuric acid ($$H_2SO_4) in $$the crown corrosion of sewer pipes?

Accepted Answer

$$H_2S + O_2$ \rightarrow H_2SO_4$$

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world application of microbial leaching?

Accepted Answer

Extraction of copper from low-grade ores

Question 14

What is the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and why is it important in wastewater treatment?

Accepted Answer

BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microbes to completely oxidize all organic and inorganic matter in a water sample; it measures treatment efficiency

Question 15

Which group of microorganisms is NOT typically involved in the biodeterioration of stone and concrete?

Accepted Answer

Viruses

Question 16

In bioremediation of organic pollutants, which environmental factors are most important for optimal oil-oxidizing activity?

Accepted Answer

Optimal temperature and inorganic nutrient concentrations

Question 17

Which process is used in anaerobic secondary treatment of wastewater and results in the production of methane ($$CH_4) $$and carbon dioxide ($$CO_2$$)?

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic sludge digestion

Question 18

Which equation best represents the microbial oxidation of ferrous iron ($$Fe^{2+}) to $$ferric iron ($$Fe^{3+}) in $$acid mine drainage?

Accepted Answer

$$Fe^{2+}$$ + $$O_2 + H$$^+ \rightarrow $$Fe^{3+} + H_2O$

Question 19

Which of the following is a consequence of improper handling of coal or minerals rich in sulfides?

Accepted Answer

Oxidation of metal sulfides by bacteria resulting in acidic conditions

Question 20

Which process is responsible for the loss of structural integrity in stone and concrete due to microbial activity?

Accepted Answer

Biodeterioration

Microbiology of the Built Environment: Mining, Bioremediation, Wastewater Treatment, and Biodeterioration

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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