Waste Water Terminology

Activated Sludge The term "activated sludge" refers to a brownish flocculent culture of organisms developed in aeration tanks under controlled conditions. It is also Sludge floc produced in raw or settled waste water by the growth of zoological bacteria and other organisms in the presence of dissolved oxygen. Activated sludge is normally brown in color. Alkalinity The capacity of water to neutralize acids, a property imparted by the water's content of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and occasionally borates, silicates, and phosphates. Alkaline fluids have a pH value over 7 Anaerobic A biological environment that is deficient in all forms of oxygen, especially molecular oxygen, nitrates and nitrites. The decomposition by microorganisms of waste organic matter in wastewater in the absence of dissolved oxygen is classed as anaerobic. Anoxic A biological environment that is deficient in molecular oxygen, but may contain chemically bound oxygen, such as nitrates and nitrites. Bacteria Bacteria are microscopic living organisms They are a group of universally distributed, rigid, essentially unicellular, microscopic organisms lacking chlorophyll. They are characterized as spheroids, rod-like, or curved entities, but occasionally appearing as sheets, chains, or branched filaments. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) The BOD test is used to measure the strength of wastewater. The BOD of wastewater determines the milligrams per liter of oxygen required during stabilization of decomposable organic matter by aerobic bacteria action. Also, the total milligrams of oxygen required over a five-day test period to biologically assimilate the organic contaminants in one liter of wastewater maintained at 20 degrees Centigrade.

Bulking Sludge A phenomenon that occurs in activated sludge plants whereby the sludge occupies excessive volumes and will not concentrate readily. This condition refers to a decrease in the ability of the sludge to settle and consequent loss over the settling tank weir. Bulking in activated sludge aeration tanks is caused mainly by excess suspended solids (SS) content. Sludge bulking in the final settling tank of an activated sludge plant may be caused by improper balance of the BOD load, SS concentration in the mixed liquor, or the amount of air used in aeration. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) The milligrams of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic contaminants in one liter of wastewater. Composite Sample To have significant meaning, samples for laboratory tests on wastewater should be representative of the wastewater. The best method of sampling is proportional composite sampling over several hours during the day. Composite samples are collected because the flow and characteristics of the wastewater are continually changing. A composite sample will give a representative analysis of the wastewater conditions. coagulation in water treatment, the use of chemicals to make suspended solids gather or group together into small flocs. Denitrification A biological process by which nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas. Digestion The biological decomposition of organic matter in sludge resulting in partial gasification, liquefaction, and mineralization of putrescible and offensive solids. Disenfection The killing of pathogenic organisms is called disinfection. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) The oxygen dissolved in water, wastewater, or other liquid. DO is measured in milligrams per liter. If the DO of a sample of water is 2 mg/L, it means that there are 2lbs of oxygen in 1 mil lb of water. Dissolved Solids Solids that cannot be removed by filtering are dissolved solids.

Extended Aeration A modification of the activated sludge process which provides for aerobic sludge digestion within the aeration system. Floc Clumps of bacteria and particles that have come together to form clusters, or small gelatinous masses. The floc mass in an activated sludge aeration tank generally consists of microorganisms. Grease In wastewater, a group of substances, including fats, waxes, free fatty acids, calcium and magnesium soaps, mineral oils, and certain other non-fatty materials. Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) A unit of concentration of water or wastewater constituent. It is 0.001 g of the constituent in 1000 ml of water. The unit parts per million is identical to milligrams per liter. Mixed Liquor (ML) The mixture of activated sludge, wastewater, and oxygen, wherein biological assimilation occurs. Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) The milligrams of suspended solids per liter of mixed liquor that are combustible at 550 degrees Centigrade. An estimate of the quantity of MLSS to be wasted from the aeration tank of an extended aeration plant may be determined by the rate of settling and centrifuge tests on the sludge solids. Nitrification The conversion of nitrogen matter into nitrates by bacteria. Nitrogen Nitrogen is present in wastewater in many forms: total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, organic nitrogen. Nitrogen Cycle The cycle of life, death, and decay involving organic nitrogenous matter is known as the nitrogen cycle. In the nitrogen cycle ammonia is produced from proteins. Orthophosphate A simple compound of phosphorous and oxygen that is soluble in water. Oxic A biological environment which is aerobic

Polyphosphate A large compound formed of several orthophosphate molecules connected by phosphate-storing microorganisms. Raw Wastewater Wastewater before it receives any treatment. Reactor A tank where a wastewater stream is mixed with bacterial sludge and biochemical reactions occur. Return Sludge Settled activated sludge returned to mix with incoming raw or primary settled wastewater. When the return sludge rate in the activated sludge process is too low, there will be insufficient organisms to meet the waste load entering the aerator. Return Activated Sludge Activated return sludge is normally returned continuously to the aeration tank. Recycling of activated sludge back to the aeration tank provides bacteria for incoming wastewater. Its should be brown in color with no obnoxious odor and is often also returned in small portions to the primary settling tanks to aid sedimentation. Settled activated sludge is generally thinner than raw sludge. Some activated sludge will be wasted to prevent excessive solids build up. sedimentation a large scale water treatment process where heavy solids settle out to the bottom of the treatment tank after flocculation. Sludge Age In the activated sludge process, a measure of the length of time a particle of suspended solids has been undergoing aeration, expressed in day. It is usually computed by dividing the weight of the suspended solids in the aeration tank by the weight of excess activated sludge discharged from the system per day. Sludge Digestion The purpose of sludge digestion is to separate the liquid from the solids to facilitate drying. The proper pH range for digested sludge is 6.8 - 7.2. Sludge Index Properly called sludge volume index (SVI). It is the volume in millimeters occupied by 1 g of activated sludge after settling of the aerated liquid for 30 minutes.

Sludge Reaeration The continuous aeration of sludge after initial aeration for the purpose of improving or maintaining its condition. Splitter Box A division box that splits the incoming flow into two or more streams. A device for splitting and directing discharge from the head box to two separate points of application. TDS - total dissolved solids the sum or all inorganic and organic particulate material. TDS is an indicator test used for wastewater analysis and is also a measure of the mineral content of bottled water and groundwater. There is a relationship between TDS and conductivity. In general, for the San Antonio River basin, TDS/.6 approximates conductivity. Or, conductivity * .6 approximates TDS. People monitoring water quality can measure electrical conductivity quickly in the field and estimate TDS without doing any lab tests at all Wastewater Domestic wastewater is 99.9% water and 0.1% solids. Fresh wastewater is usually slightly alkaline. If the pH of the raw wastewater is 8.0, it indicates that the sample is alkaline. If wastewater has a pH value of 6.5, it means that it is acid. Wastwater is said to be septic when it is undergoing decomposition.

Air pollution terminology

Acid Deposition a term for the conversion of sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions into acidic compounds which precipitate in rain, snow, fog, or dry particles Acute occurring over a short period of time; used to describe brief exposures and effects which appear promptly after exposure Adverse Health Effects health effects from exposure to air contaminants that may range from relatively mild temporary conditions, such as minor eye or throat irritation, shortness of breath, or headaches, to permanent and serious conditions such as birth defects, cancer, or damage to lungs, nerves, liver, heart, or other organs Aerosol particle of solid or liquid matter that can remain suspended in the air because of its small size (generally under one micron) Afterburner an air pollution abatement device that removes undesirable organic gases through incineration Air socalled "pure" air is a mixture of gases containing about 78 percent nitrogen; 21 percent oxygen; less than 1 percent of carbon dioxide, argon, and other inert gases; and varying amounts of water vapor Air Basins areas defined by geographical or administrative boundaries; used for air pollution control programs Air Monitoring sampling for and measuring of pollutants present in the atmosphere Air Pollution the presence of polluting gases and suspended particles in the atmosphere in excess of air quality standards Air Quality Criteria the varying amounts of pollution and lengths of exposure at which specific adverse effects to health and comfort take place Air Quality Index (AQI) colorcoded tool that shows air pollution levels. Air Quality Management District (AQMD) local agency charged with controlling air pollution and attaining air quality standards Air Quality Plan (AQP) a plan developed to attain and maintain an air quality standard Air Quality Standard (AQS) the prescribed level of a pollutant in the outside air that should not be exceeded during a specific time period to protect public health. Established by both federal and state governments Air shed a term denoting a geographical area of which, because of topography, meteorology, and climate, shares the same air (see Air Basins) Ambient Air outside air; any portion of the atmosphere not confined by walls and a roof Aromatic a hydrocarbon that consists of one or more benzenoid rings (i. e., benzene) Asthma a medical condition characterized by abnormal restriction of breathing, especially in response to allergens or air contaminants

Best Available Control Technology (BACT) an emission limitation based on using the most uptodate methods, systems, techniques, and production processes available to achieve the greatest feasible emission reductions. These are the most stringent requirements for new or modified sources and are determined on a casebycase basis as part of New Source Review Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BARCT) an emission limitation based on the maximum degree of reduction achievable for existing sources taking into account environmental, energy, and economic impact Bifuel a vehicle that has the ability to operate on gasoline or diesel as their primary fuel. Biodiesel Biodiesel is a cleanerburning diesel replacement fuel made from natural, renewable sources such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats. Like petroleum diesel, biodiesel operates in compressionignition engines. Blends of up to 20% biodiesel (mixed with petroleum diesel fuels) can be used in nearly all diesel equipment and are compatible with most storage and distribution equipment. These low level blends (20% and less) don't require any engine modifications and can provide the same payload capacity as diesel. Using biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine substantially reduces emissions Carbon Dioxide (CO2) a colorless, odorless, nonpoisonous gas that results from fossil fuel combustion and is a normal constituent of ambient air Carbon Monoxide a colorless, odorless, toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carboncontaining substances. One of the major air pollutants, it is emitted in large quantities by exhaust from gasolinepowered vehicles Carcinogen any substance that can cause or contribute to the production of cancer Catalytic Converter an air pollution abatement device used primarily on motor vehicles and other sources. It removes organic contaminants by oxidizing them into carbon dioxide and water through chemical reaction. May convert nitrogen dioxide to nitrogen and oxygen or promote other similar reactions Chlorofluorocarbons a family of inert, nontoxic, and easily liquified chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning, packaging, insulation, or as solvents and aerosol propellants. Because CFCs are not destroyed in the lower atmosphere they drift into the upper atmosphere where their chlorine components destroy the ozone layer Clean Air Act (CAA) long standing federal legislation that is the legal basis for the national clean air programs, last amended in 1990 Coefficient of Haze (COH) a measurement of the quantity of dust and smoke in the atmosphere in a theoretical 1000 linear feet of air. A COH of less than 1 is considered clean air and more than 3 is considered dirty air Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) see Natural Gas Continuous Emission Monitor (CEM) a type of air emission monitoring device installed to operate continuously inside of a smoke stack or other emission source Cyclone an air pollution abatement device that removes heavy particles from an air stream through centrifugal force

Degreaser equipment which removes grease, dirt or unwanted materials from any part or product. Degreasers typically use solvents, as liquid baths or condensing vapors, to remove such material Dew Point the temperature at which droplets of water condense from air (dependent on the prevailing humidity) Diesel Engine a type of internalcombustion engine that uses lowvolatility petroleum fuel and fuel injectors and initiates combustion using compression ignition (as opposed to spark ignition, which is used with gasoline engines.) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Law that appropriates funds to federal and state loan programs to either rebuild dieselpowered vehicle engines to more stringent emission standards or install emission reduction systems, notify affected parties, and share the technological information with countries that have poor air quality standards. Dualfuel Engines that operate on a combination of natural gas and diesel fuel Electrostatic Precipitator an air pollution abatement device that removes particulate matter from a gas stream by imparting an electrical charge to the particles for mechanical collection on an electrode Emission Factor the relationship between the amount of pollution produced and the amount of raw material processed or burned. For example, the emission factor for oxides of nitrogen from fuel oil combustion in an industrial boiler would be the number of pounds of oxides of nitrogen emitted per 1000 gallons of fuel oil burned. By using the emission factor of a pollutant and specific data regarding quantities of material used by a given source, it is possible to compute emissions for the source. This approach is used in preparing an emissions inventory Emission inventory a list of air pollutants emitted into a community's atmosphere, in amounts (commonly tons) per day or year, by type of source Emission Standard the maximum amount of pollution that is permitted to be discharged from a polluting source for example, the number of pounds of dust that may be emitted per hour from an industrial process Emulsified diesel This is diesel that is mixed with a small percentage of water and an agent that keeps the water and diesel mixed. By adding the water to the diesel a smaller amount emissions are created when the fuel is burned Ethanol ethyl alcohol, a volatile alcohol containing two carbons (CH3CH2OH). For fuel use, it would be produced by fermentation of corn or other plant products away Exceedance a measured level of an air pollutant higher than the national or state ambient air quality standard Flexible Fuel Vehicle vehicles that can use either alcohol fuels (methanol or ethanol) or a combination of alcohol fuel and unleaded gasoline Fluorocarbon an organic compound that contains fluorine. Some of these compounds may affect health but they are nonreactive and therefore not smog forming Fossil Fuels coal, oil, and natural gas; socalled because they are the remains of ancient plant and animal life

Fume solid particles under 1 micron in diameter, formed as vapors condense or as chemical reactions take place Furnace a combustion chamber; an enclosed structure in which fuel is burned to heat air or material Greenhouse Effect the warming of the earth's atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon dioxide and other trace gases. This buildup allows light from the sun's rays to heat the earth but prevents a counterbalancing loss of heat Ground Level Monitor (GLM) a type of air pollution monitoring device located around major industrial facilities to measure ambient levels of certain pollutants GroundLevel Ozone (GLO) see Ozone Halogen a family of chemical elements that includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine Halogenated Organic Compounds organic compounds containing one or more atoms of a halogen. These compounds tend to be stable and nonreactive, and therefore have low smogproducing potential Hydrocarbon any of a vast number of compounds containing carbon and hydrogen in various combinations; found especially in fossil fuels. Some of the hydrocarbon compounds are major air pollutants; they may be active participants in the photochemical process or affect health Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) a gas characterized by a "rotten egg" smell that is often produced by and found in the vicinity of oil refineries, chemical plants and sewage treatment plants Incineration the burning of household or industrial waste in a combustion chamber Inert Gas a gas such as helium, neon, or argon that does not react with other substances under ordinary conditions Inorganic Gaseous Pollutant a gaseous pollutant that is not an organic compound. Examples are: sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen oxides Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) an engine in which both the heat energy and the ensuing mechanical energy are produced inside the engine Inversion the phenomenon of a layer of warm air pressing down on cooler air below it. Inversions are a special problem because they prevent the natural dispersion and dilution of air contaminants LAER (lowest achievable emission rate) under the Clean Air Act, the rate of emissions that reflects (a) the most stringent emissions limitation in the state implementation plan identified for a source unless the owner or operator demonstrates such limitations are not achievable or (b) the most stringent emissions limitation achieved in practice, whichever is more stringent Major Source a source that emits or has the potential to emit more than 100 tons of any pollutant regulated under the federal Clean Air Act, more than 10 tons of any hazardous air pollutants or 25 tons of all hazardous air pollutants Methanol a single carbon alcohol, generally produced from natural gas (methane)

Mist liquid particles up to 100 microns in diameter Mixing Depth the expanse in which air rises from the earth and mixes with the air above it until it meets air of equal or warmer temperature Mobile Source a moving source of air pollution; includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, and airplanes Natural Gas Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons (mainly methane (CH4)) and is produced either from gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production. Because of the gaseous nature of this fuel, it must be stored onboard a vehicle in either a compressed gaseous state (CNG) or in a liquefied state (LNG) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) pollutant emission limits for newly constructed sources New Source Review (NSR) a permitting procedure for new or modified stationary sources. NSR applies if the emissions from the new source are above a trigger level Nitric Oxide (NO) precursor of ozone, NO2, and nitrate; usually emitted from combustion processes. Converted to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the atmosphere, it then becomes involved in the photochemical process and/or particulate formation Nitrogen Oxides (NOx, frequently pronounced nox) gases formed in great part from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen when combustion takes place under conditions of high temperature and high pressure; considered a major air pollutant and precursor of ozone Nonattainment Area defined geographic area that does not meet one or more of the federal air quality standards for the criteria pollutants Open Burning the uncontrolled burning of waste materials in the open, in outdoor incinerators, or in an open dump, either intentionally or accidentally. Organic Compounds a large group of chemical compounds that contain carbon. All living organisms are made up of organic compounds. Some types of organic gases, including olefins, substituted aromatics and aldehydes, are highly reactive i.e., have high ozone producing potential. Oxidant an air pollutant containing oxygen that can react chemically with other substances. Ozone, and nitrogen compounds are examples of oxidants Ozone (O3) a pungent, colorless, toxic gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not usually emitted directly into the air, but at groundlevel is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Groundlevel ozone (GLO) is considered "bad." Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents as well as natural sources emit NOx and VOC that help form ozone. Groundlevel ozone is the primary constituent of smog. Sunlight and hot weather cause groundlevel ozone to form in harmful concentrations in the air. As a result, it is known as a summertime air pollutant. "Good " ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere approximately 10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface and forms a layer that protects life on earth from the sun's harmful rays.

Ozone Depletion destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer, which shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation. This destruction is caused by the breakdown of certain chlorine and/or brominecontaining compounds (chlorofluorocarbons or halons) that catalytically destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere Particulate a particle of solid or liquid matter; soot, dust, aerosols, fumes and mists Parts Per Million (PPM) the number of parts of a given pollutant in a million parts of air Photochemical Process the process by which sunlight acts upon various compounds, causing a chemical reaction to occur Photochemical Smog produced when hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen combine in the presence of sunlight to form ozone Plume a visible or measurable discharge of a contaminant from a given point of origin that Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) a system developed by the federal government for reporting air pollution concentrations to the public as numerical values between 0 and 500 Precipitators any number of devices using mechanical, electrical, or chemical means to collect particulates. Used to measure, analyze, or control particulates Precursor compounds that change chemically or physically after being emitted into the air and eventually produce air pollutants. For example, organic compounds are precursors for ozone Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) an EPA program in which state and/or federal permits are required to restrict emissions in areas that meet federal standards for criteria pollutants Reactive Organic Gases (ROG) classes of organic compounds, especially olefins, substituted aromatics and aldehydes, that react more rapidly in the atmosphere to form photochemical smog or ozone Reasonable Further Progress (RFP) specified rate of progress towards meeting an air quality standard, as set forth in law or in a plan Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) air pollution abatement equipment that is both technologically feasible and cost effective Ringelmann Chart actually a series of charts, numbered 0 to 5, that simulate various smoke densities, by presenting different percentages of black. A Ringelmann No. 1 is equivalent to 20 percent black; a Ringelmann No. 5 is 100 percent black. They are used for measuring the opacity or equivalent obscuration of smoke arising from stacks and other sources by matching the actual effluent with the various numbers, or densities, indicated by the charts Saturated Hydrocarbon an organic compound consisting of only carbon and hydrogen atoms with no double or triple bonds. Examples are ethane, methane and propane. They are relatively unreactive, (i.e., do not form photochemical smog as rapidity as other organics) Scrubber a device that uses a high energy liquid spray to remove aerosol and gaseous pollutants from an air stream. The gases are removed either by absorption or chemical reaction

Smog a term used to describe many air pollution problems. Smog is a contraction of smoke and fog; it describes the irritating stagnant haze resulting from the sun's effect on pollutants in the air. Also known as groundlevel ozone. Soot very fine carbon particles that appear black when visible State Implementation Plan (SIP) EPAapproved state plans for attaining and maintaining national ambient air quality standards Stationary Source a fixed, nonmobile producer of pollution, usually at industrial or commercial facilities Storage Tank any stationary container, reservoir, or tank used for the storage of liquids. District regulations usually only apply to the storage of organic liquids Stratosphere the portion of the atmosphere that is 10 to 25 miles above the earth's surface Sulfur Oxides (SOx) pungent, colorless gases formed primarily by the combustion of sulfurcontaining fossil fuels, especially coal and oil. Considered major air pollutants, sulfur oxides may impact human health and damage vegetation Topography the configuration of a surface, especially the earth's surface, including its relief and the position of its natural and manmade features Total Organic Gases (TOG) gaseous organic compounds, including reactive organic gases and relatively unreactive organic gases such as methane Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) particles of solid or liquid matter such as soot, dust, aerosols, fumes and mist up to approximately 30 microns in size Toxic Air Pollutants air pollutants that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or in serious illness or which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health Toxic Best Available Control Technology(TBACT) similar to BACT standards except applies to sources of toxic emissions. In many cases, it is the same as BACT. The standards are based on using the most uptodate methods, systems, techniques, and production processes available to achieve the greatest feasible emission reductions. These are the most stringent requirements for new or modified sources and are determined on a casebycase basis Transportation Control Measures (TCMs) strategies to reduce vehicle trips, vehicle use, vehicle miles traveled, vehicle idling or traffic congestion for the purpose of reducing motor vehicle emissions Troposphere the layer of the atmosphere nearest the earth's surface. The troposphere extends outward about 5 miles at the poles and 10 miles at the equator Variance permission granted for a limited time under stated conditions for a person or company to operate outside the limits prescribed in a regulation Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) an organic compound that evaporates readily at atmospheric temperatures. A major precursor of ozone Woodburning Pollution air pollution caused by emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and odorous and toxic substances from woodburning stoves and fireplaces

Soil(sand) pollution terminology

Absorption: Uptake of matter or energy by a substance Acid soil: Soil with a pH value less than 7.0. Acidification: Process whereby soil becomes acid (pH < 7) because acid parent material is present or in regions with high rainfall, where soil leaching occurs. Acidification can be accelerated by human activities (use of fertilisers, deposition of industrial and vehicular pollutants). Adsorption: Process by which atoms, molecules or ions are retained on the surfaces of solids by chemical or physical bonding. Aeration of soil: Amount of air-filled pores in the soil, expressed as the volume difference between total porosity and actual soil moisture. Optimum soil aeration is 30% but strongly depends on the structure and packing state of soil particles; 15-20% is normally satisfactory for the growth of grasses and cereals; below 10% is not good for plant growth. Aggregate: Soil aggregate consisting of two or more soil particles bound together by various forces. Aggregation: Process whereby primary soil particles (sand, silt, clay) are bound together, usually by natural forces and substances derived from root exudates and microbial activity. Soil aggregates are arranged to form soil peds, units of soil structure, classified by size, shape (platy, prismatic, columnar, angular, subangular, blocky, granular) and grade (single-grain, massive, weak, moderate, strong). From an agronomical point of view, the most important soil aggregates are in range 3 - 1 mm. Anion: Particle with a negative charge. See also ion, cation. Anion exchange capacity: Sum of exchangeable anions that a soil can adsorb. Usually expressed as centimoles, or millimoles, of charge per kilogram of soil (or of other adsorbing material such as clay). Arable land: Agricultural land that is cultivated by ploughing, usually to 20 or 30 cm depth. More than 30 cm represents deep ploughing. Black Earth: Term synonymous with Chernozem used (e.g. in Australia) to describe self-mulching black clays. Bog: Wetland that has no significant inflows or outflows, supports acidophilic mosses, particularly Sphagnum and in which peat is accumulating. Similar to: fen, marsh, pocosin, swamp, and wetland. Boulder clay: Unstratified glacial deposits laid down directly beneath the ice or dropped from the surface as the ice melted; boulder clay and till are synonymous terms for this unsorted material which ranges from rock flour to rocks and boulders of great size, according to the nature of the bedrock Calcification: Process whereby the soil is kept sufficiently supplied with calcium to saturate the soil cation exchange sites. Capillary water: Water in capillary pores influenced by forces that hold water in soils against a tension usually greater than 60cm. Capillary water can move upwards against gravity. Carbon cycle: Sequence of transformations whereby carbon dioxide is converted to organic forms by photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, recycled

through the biosphere (with partial incorporation into sediments), and ultimately returned to its original state through respiration or combustion. Cation: Particle with positive charge; reactions between anions and cations create electrical forces. Cation exchange: Interchange between a cation in solution and another cation in the boundary layer between the solution and surface of negatively charged material such as clay or organic matter. Clay: Soil particle smaller than 0.002mm or 2m, with high specific area mainly influencing soil colloidal properties (see also colloid) as well as stability of soil structure: high stability in both wet and dry conditions; also a soil texture class. Clay coating/film: Coatings of oriented clay on the surfaces of peds and mineral grains and lining pores, also called clay skins, clay flows, illuviation cutans, or argillans. Coating: Layer of a substance completely or partly covering a surface of soil material; coatings can comprise clay, calcite, gypsum, iron, organic material, salt, etc. Decalcification: Removal of calcium carbonate or calcium ions from the soil by leaching. Diagnostic horizon: see horizon Electrical conductivity (EC): Conduction of electricity through water or a solution of soil commonly used to estimate the soluble salt content in solution, e.g. soil solution. Erosion: The wearing away of the land surface by water, wind, ice, gravity or other natural or anthropogenic agents that abrade, detach and remove soil particles or rock material from one point on the earth's surface, for deposition elsewhere, including gravitational creep and so-called tillage erosion. Feldspar: Group of hard crystalline minerals that consist of aluminum silicates of sodium or calcium or barium. Fen: Flat and swampy land, usually low in altitude and similar to a bog or marsh. Fertilization: Application of mainly mineral compounds, in order to increase soil fertility. In some cases, (e.g. liming) the purpose of fertilization is also to improve specific soil properties (pH, stability of soil structure). Field capacity: Field capacity has been defined as the soil moisture state when, 48 hours after saturation or heavy rain, all downward movement of water has ceased. It is the water content retained at low suctions (533kPa) depending on soil type, and is the upper limit of plant available water. Fluvioglacial deposits: Material moved from the margins of glaciers and subsequently sorted and deposited by streams flowing from the melting ice. Geomorphology: Science of landforms that studies the evolution of the Earth's surface and interprets landforms as records of geological history.

Gley soil: Soil formed under naturally wet or waterlogged conditions as evidenced by grey colours stemming from the reduction, under anaerobic conditions, of ferric iron to the ferrous state. Ground water: That portion of the water below the surface of the ground at a pressure equal to, or greater than, that of the atmosphere. See also water table. Gully: Channel resulting from erosion and caused by the concentrated but intermittent flow of water during and immediately following heavy rainfall; gullies are deep enough (usually >0.5 m) to interfere with, but not obliterated by, normal tillage operations. Horizon: Single layer in soil profile with similar properties or material but which differs at least in one property, e.g. colour or texture from adjacent horizons above or below in the profile; diagnostic horizon: Dominant soil property or material defines name of horizon, e.g. gypsic horizon having distinct calcium sulfate (gypsum: CaSO4) enrichment; genetic horizon depending on the type of pedogenesis. Humification: Process whereby the carbon of organic residues is transformed and converted to humic substances through biochemical and abiotic processes. Humus: Organic compounds in soil, exclusive of undecayed plant and animal tissues, their partial decomposition products, and the soil biomass; a term often used synonymously with soil organic matter, its structure is amorphous, specific weight is low and surface area high. Humus is important for soil fertility, and helps to bind soil particles and aggregates together. Hydromorphic soils: Formed under conditions of poor drainage in marshes, swamps, seepage areas or flats. Ion: Electrically charged atom or group of atoms. Landslide: A general term for a mass movement landform and a process characterized by moderately rapid to rapid (greater than 30 cm per year) downslope transport by means of gravitational stresses, of a mass of rock and regolith that may or may not be water saturated. Leaching: Removal of soluble materials from one zone in soil to another via water movement in the profile. Map scale: Relationship between a certain distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground (e.g. 1:10,000, which means 1 cm on the map equals to 10,000 cm or 100 m on the ground); the scale is usually located in the legend box of a map. Marsh: A transition zone between water and land usually covered by grass. Mass movement: Dislodgement and downslope transport of soil and rock material as a unit under direct gravitational stress; includes slow displacements, such as creep and solifluction, and rapid movements such as landslides, rock slides, earthflows, debris flows and avalanches; water, ice and to a lesser extent air usually play an important role in the process. Moderately fine textured: Texture group consisting of clay loam, sandy clay loam and silty clay loam textures; see also soil texture.

Monolith: Representative vertical section taken from vertical face of a soil profile pit or section, which represents arrangement of soil horizons; there are various methods of how to take and conserve soil monoliths. Munsell Color System: Colour designation system that specifies the relative degrees of the three simple variables of colour: hue (wavelength), value (degree of lightness or darkness), and chroma (purity or strength). For example: 10YR 6/4 is a colour (of soil) with a hue = 10YR, value = 6, and chroma = 4. Pasture: Grassland used for grazing of mainly domestic herbivores. Peat: Organic soil material with more than 50% of organic matter derived from plant residues with not fully destroyed structure. Peat forms in a wet soil environment or below the water table where mineralisation of organic matter comes close to zero; a peat horizon or layer is normally more than 30cm thick. Peatland: A generic term for any wetland where partially decayed plant matter accumulates; mire, moor and muskeg are terms used for peatlands in Europe and Canada; see also bog and fen. Pedogenesis: Process of soil formation and development by soil forming factors: climate (mainly temperature and precipitation), parent material, living organisms (plants and biota), topography, time, water and Man. Pedon: A three-dimensional body of soil with lateral dimensions (1 to 10 m2) large enough to permit the study of horizon shapes and relations. Permafrost: (i) permanently frozen subsurface material underlying the solum; (ii) perennially frozen soil horizon where temperature remains below 0C throughout the year and in which Cryosols form. Permanent grassland: Natural (mainly steppe areas) or agricultural soils with grass cover not normally ploughed. Ploughing (tillage): mechanical cultivation of agricultural soils by the plough to different depths (20 - 30cm) deep, creating arable land. Pocosin: A bog formed in shallow depressions with poor drainage, supporting predominantly evergreen shrubs or small trees. Primary mineral: A mineral that has not been altered chemically since crystallization and deposition from molten lava. See also secondary mineral. Protection of soil: Conscious process necessary for soil and soil properties preservation realised at different levels (personal, local, national, continental) and using information obtained by soil research. Sustainability is the result of this process. Regolith: The unconsolidated mantle of weathered rock and soil material on the Earth's surface, sometimes considered to be loose earth materials above solid rock. Root exudates: Substances released from plant root system in drops or small quantities of carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins and many other substances essential for life of soil micro-organisms. Saline soil: A non-sodic soil (see sodic soil) containing sufficient soluble salt to adversely affect the growth of most crop plants. The lower limit of electrical conductivity in the saturation extract of such soils is

conventionally set at 4 dS m-1(at 25C), though sensitive plants are affected at about half this salinity and highly tolerant ones at about twice this salinity. Saline-sodic soil: Salt-affected soils with a high exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) greater than 15%, pH usually less than 8.5; in general these soils are not suitable for agriculture. Salt-affected soil: Soil that has been adversely affected by the presence of soluble salts, with or without high amounts of exchangeable sodium. See also saline soil, saline-sodic soil, and sodic soil. Secondary mineral: A mineral resulting from the decomposition of a primary mineral or from the reprecipitation of the products of decomposition of a primary mineral. Silt: Soil particles between 0.002 mm and 0.05 mm (in some countries 0.06 mm is the upper size limit), with high or medium-high specific area influencing stability of soil structure; also used as a texture class name for medium and medium-fine soil materials. Silt: Soil particles between 0.002 mm and 0.05 mm (in some countries 0.06 mm is the upper size limit), with high or medium-high specific area influencing stability of soil structure; also used as a texture class name for medium and medium-fine soil materials. Sodic soil: Soil with excess of sodium, pH is higher than 7, usually in the range 8 - 10, exchangeable sodium percentage, ESP> 15 and very poor soil structure. These soils need special management and are not used for agriculture; non-sodic soils are without excess of sodium. Soil biology: A scientific discipline dealing with living components of soils, which are represented mainly by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods and earthworms as well as by mammals. Soil chemistry: A scientific discipline dealing with chemical properties of soils and studies on the influence of fertilizers, pesticides and the other chemical substances applied on or into the soil on soil behaviour and fertility. Soil classification: Also termed soil taxonomy, is the scientific discipline dealing with grouping of soils into soil morphological units or soil types, according to similar or comparable soil forming properties. Many countries in the world have national soil classification systems but those of FAO, WRB and USDA are used internationally. For transnational comparisons, an international soil classification system, into which the majority of national systems can be translated, is needed. In future, this will be the WRB. Soil colour: soil colour is one of the indicators of soil status and depends on many factors, mainly on the amount and state of organic matter and iron oxide, as well as amount of air and water in soil pores; In general, dark soils have high organic matter content, grey soils are waterlogged or anaerobic, brown soils are well-drained and aerated soils. Soil colour is measured using Munsell Soil Color charts. Soil compaction: changing the nature of the soil such that there is a decrease in the volume of voids between soil particles or aggregates; it is manifest as an increase in bulk density and a severely compacted soil can become effectively impermeable. Some soils are naturally compacted, e.g.

very heavy textured soils (fine textured). Man-made compaction is caused by the passage of heavy machinery and very intensive soil exploitation. Soil cracks: Openings in horizontal (mm or several cm) and vertical (cm or several m) orientation, mainly affecting soil hydraulic properties, arising from swelling and Shrinking processes. Heavy clay soils are more susceptible to cracks formation than loamy soils whereas in sandy soils cracks do not form or they are very small and unstable. Soil cultivation destroys crack system, mainly by tillage. Soil degradation: Negative process often accelerated by human activities (improper soil use and cultivation practices, building areas) that leads to deterioration of soil properties and functions or destruction of soil as a whole, e.g. compaction, erosion, salinisation. Soil depth: depth of soil profile from the top to parent material or bedrock or to the layer of obstacles for roots. It differs significantly for different soil types. It is one of basic criterions used in soil classification. Soils can be very shallow (less than 25 cm), shallow (25 cm-50 cm), moderately deep (50 cm-90 cm), deep (90cm-150 cm) and very deep (more than 150 cm). Soil fertility: A measure of the ability of soil to provide plants with sufficient amount of nutrients and water, and a suitable medium for root development to assure proper plant growth and maturity. Soil geography: Scientific discipline dealing with distribution of soil types in landscapes, describing this distribution according to geographical rules. Soil micro-organisms: Represented by protozoa, viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae. The most prevalent are bacteria and fungi, and depending on conditions (water and nutrients content, temperature, etc.) they can be in an active or non-active state. According to nutrient (and oxygen) demand, micro-organisms are divided to autotropic and heterotrophic, (aerobic and anaerobic) groups. Micro-organisms are a good indicator of soil status and quality. Soil monitoring: Repeated observation and measurement of selected soil properties and functions, mainly for studying changes in soil conditions. Soil morphology: Form and arrangement of pedological features. Soil organic matter: The organic fraction of the soil exclusively comprising undecayed plant and animal residues. See also humus. Soil Organic Matter: see Organic soil material Soil physics: Scientific discipline dealing with physical properties of soil (density, porosity, water retention and permeability, hydraulic conductivity etc.). Soil porosity: Volume of water and air that can be held in a soil; ratio of the volume of voids to the total volume of the soil. Soil profile: Vertical section of soil horizons from upper layer to the parent material, showing the arrangement (configuration) of soil horizons typical for single soil types and used as a basis for soil classification. Soil sorption: Selective process, which occurs on soil particles smaller than 0.002mm (<2m); these small particles have colloidal properties, are able to hold and exchange ions, water or gases.

Soil texture: Numerical proportion (% by wt.) of sand, silt and clay in a soil. Sand, silt and clay content are estimated in the field, and/or quantitatively in the laboratory, and then placed within the texture triangle to determine soil texture class. Texture can be coarse (sand particles predominate), medium (silt particles predominate), or fine (clay particles predominate). Stoniness: It is the relative proportion (vol %) of coarse particles (larger than 2 mm diameter) in the soil or on soil surface; 15% stones is a high value and can hinder cultivation and reduce water holding capacity. Surface soil: the layer of soil occurring on the surface, synonym topsoil. Swamp: Seasonally flooded low land. Similar to marsh, but with more woody plants and to bog but with better drainage. Swamp: a wetland that features permanent inundation of large areas of land by shallow bodies of water, generally with a substantial number of hummocks, or dry-land protrusions. Swamps are usually regarded as including a large amount of woody vegetation Swelling and shrinking: Two opposite processes of soil volume change. Swelling, increase of soil volume, shrinking, decrease of soil volume. These processes are influenced by actual water content and presence of clay minerals, which are able to take or to lose water in their interlayer spaces. Difference in volume can range from 5% to more than 100% depending on quality and quantity of clay minerals. Tidal flats: Nearly flat areas, periodically covered by tidal (periodical) waters, not suitable for agricultural use. Till: an unsorted glacial sediment. Glacial drift is a general term for the coarsely graded and extremely heterogeneous sediments of glacial origin Water retention: The ability of soil to hold water for a period that is longer than infiltration, normally 48h in a freely draining soil. It strongly depends on organic matter and bulk density. Soil texture also has an influence on water retention.