Glossary Terms

A mineral made by treating aluminum ore so that it becomes porous and highly adsorptive. Activated alumina will remove several contaminants including fluoride, arsenic, and selenium. […]

The volume of water which would cover an area of one acre to a depth of one foot. It is equal to 43,560 cubic feet (1,233 […]

The quantitative capacity of water or solution to neutralize an alkali or base. It is usually measured by titration with a standard solution of sodium hydroxide […]

A substance which releases hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Most acids will dissolve the common metals and will react with a base to form a […]

The process in which one substance actually penetrating into the structure of another substance. This is different from adsorption in which one substance adheres to the […]

Flow of water in a pipe or line in a direction opposite to normal flow. Often associated with back siphonage or the flow of possibly contaminated […]

A material, usually a porous solid, which takes another material into its interior. When rain soaks into soil, the soil is an absorbent.