Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which method is an economical way of treating acidic industrial waste with a pH of three and below?

1. Filtration

2. Neutralization

3. Oxidation

4. Incineration

The correct answer is: Neutralization

Neutralization stands out as an economical method for treating acidic industrial waste with a pH of three and below. This process involves adding a base, such as lime, sodium hydroxide, or sodium carbonate, to the acidic waste, which reacts chemically to elevate the pH to a neutral level. The neutralization reaction not only mitigates the hazardous nature of the waste but also often results in by-products that can be managed more easily. This method is favored particularly for acidic waste because it addresses the core problem of acidity directly, providing efficient pH correction without significantly increasing the volume or complexity of the waste stream. It is typically less expensive and easier to implement compared to other treatment methods, making it a popular choice for industries managing acidic effluents. Other methods listed, such as filtration, oxidation, and incineration, are generally not as effective or economical for directly addressing the pH of acidic waste. For instance, oxidation is usually employed for the breakdown of organic materials or hazardous contaminants rather than for pH adjustment. In contrast, incineration involves burning waste materials at high temperatures, which can be costly and produce emissions that require additional treatment. Therefore, neutralization remains the best-suited option for effectively and economically handling highly acidic industrial waste