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Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Common GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Reducing GHG emissions is a chief concern of environmental engineering.

A technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service, from raw material acquisition through production, use, end-of-life treatment, recycling, and final disposal (cradle-to-grave).

A measure of the quantity of oxygen used by microorganisms when decomposing organic matter in water. BOD is relevant as an indicator of the degree of pollution in a water body.

The addition of chlorine to water as a method of disinfection to kill pathogenic microorganisms. Chlorination is a critical step to ensure safe drinking water and to treat wastewater.

The process used to remove pollution from groundwater. Various techniques such as bioremediation, chemical treatment, and physical methods are used to clean up contaminated groundwater.

A biological process in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. It is widely used for treating wastewater sludge and organic waste, with the production of biogas as a beneficial byproduct.

The process by which atoms, ions or molecules from a substance adhere to a surface of the adsorbent. Adsorption is used in water treatment to remove organic compounds, metals, and some gases from the water.

Waste materials that are harmful to human health or the environment due to their toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable characteristics. Hazardous waste management is a critical aspect of environmental engineering.

A physical water treatment process using gravity to remove suspended solids from water. Sedimentation is an important step in water purification and wastewater treatment plants.

A water purification process that uses a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, unwanted molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. RO is important for desalination and producing high purity water.

The enrichment of water by nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, leading to an excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, which depletes oxygen affecting water quality and aquatic life. Preventing eutrophication is a goal of water treatment.

Engineered systems designed to simulate the functions of natural wetlands to treat wastewater. They are used to remove various pollutants, including organics, nutrients, and heavy metals.

Chemical water treatment processes that involve adding substances (coagulants) to cause suspended particles to clump together into larger aggregates (flocs), which can then be removed by sedimentation or filtration.

A mechanical or physical operation used to separate solids from liquids by means of a permeable medium or a porous material. Filtration is a key step in many water treatment processes.

An environmental engineering process that involves burning waste materials at high temperatures to reduce their volume and destroy hazardous contaminants. Also known as incineration.

The biological oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrate (NO3-) through intermediate formations of nitrite (NO2-). Nitrification is an important step in the nitrogen removal process in wastewater treatment.

A biological treatment process which uses aeration and a microbial floc composed of bacteria and protozoa to treat sewage and industrial waste. The process is relevant for reducing organic compounds and nutrients in wastewater.

The process of removing water from the solid waste (sludge) generated during the treatment of wastewater. Dewatering reduces the sludge volume, simplifying its disposal or further treatment.

A measure of the amount of oxygen required to oxidize soluble and particulate organic matter in water. COD is often used to estimate the amount of organic pollutants in water and wastewater.

A biological process in which microorganisms decompose organic matter in the presence of oxygen. Aerobic digestion is used in the treatment of wastewater sludge and in composting.

A combination of a membrane process like microfiltration or ultrafiltration with a suspended growth bioreactor, and is used in wastewater treatment to achieve high quality effluent. MBRs are efficient but can be cost and energy-intensive.

A measure of the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. Carbon footprint quantification is used to understand and manage environmental impacts.

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH is important in environmental engineering as many biological and chemical water treatment processes are pH-dependent.

A liquid that has percolated through solid waste and has extracted dissolved or suspended materials from it. Leachate management is crucial in landfill design to prevent groundwater contamination.