Glossary

Terms

Adsorption / adsorb / sorbed

Adsorption / adsorb / sorbed

Definition

The attraction and adhesion of a layer of molecules from a liquid or gas to the solid surface with which it is in contact.

Air stripping (unit)

Air stripping (unit)

Definition

Air is blown upwards through a falling column of contaminated water. The air 'drives off' the contaminants from the water, producing a dilute air stream containing organic vapours. This occurs in a structure called a stripping column. (Air stripping unit = the component in the Groundwater Treatment Plant that strips the volatile contaminants from water)

Ambient air

Ambient air

Definition

Outdoor air

ANZECC

ANZECC

Definition

Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council. An Australian and New Zealand government forum that developed guidelines for national and international environmental issues such as marine and freshwater discharge (e.g. ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality [2000]) or management of hazardous wastes such as HCB (e.g. HCB Waste Management Plan). The group was disbanded in 2001 and was replaced by a number of different councils between 2001 and 2013. The federal government is currently working on how the work in these forums will be handled in the future. The guidelines remain current.

ANZECC (2000) trigger values

ANZECC (2000) trigger values

Definition

Values established by ANZECC on its Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) where, if these values are exceeded, they may be used to trigger an investigation or initiate a management response. These values are specific or detailed targets that are aimed to meet in order to protect the agreed environmental value of the water body.

Aquifer

Aquifer

Definition

An underground geological formation that contains water and is capable of yielding water to a well or spring; a water-bearing formation.