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Which waste stream is likely to contain significant quantities of organic material?

  1. Domestic waste water

  2. Cooling water from power stations

  3. Mining operations

  4. Plating wastes

The correct answer is: Domestic waste water

Domestic wastewater is the waste stream most likely to contain significant quantities of organic material. This type of wastewater typically originates from households and includes sewage, food waste, personal care products, and other biodegradable substances. The high organic content in domestic wastewater is due to the human activities that release organic matter, such as cooking, bathing, and sanitation practices. This organic matter is comprised of carbon-based compounds, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a key focus for treatment processes in wastewater management. In contrast, cooling water from power stations generally contains minimal organic matter since it is primarily used for temperature regulation and typically does not interact with organic materials. Mining operations might produce a variety of waste materials, but they are more associated with mineral content and heavy metals rather than organic compounds. Meanwhile, plating wastes, often generated during industrial metal finishing processes, tend to contain chemical treatments, heavy metals, or solvents rather than significant amounts of organic matter.