About this previous year paper
BCE603 – ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Time: 3 Hours | Max Marks: 70
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions
(2 × 7 = 14 marks | Attempt ALL)
Write definition + 1–2 key points
1. Freshwater Resource & Factors Affecting Domestic Water Demand
Freshwater resource: Water available in rivers, lakes, groundwater suitable for human use.
Factors: Climate, standard of living, water tariff, habits of people.
2. SCADA
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is used to monitor and control water distribution systems in real time by collecting data like flow, pressure, and leakage.
3. Turbidity
Turbidity is the measure of cloudiness in water due to suspended particles.
Significance: High turbidity reduces disinfection efficiency and indicates pollution.
4. Coagulation
Coagulation is the process of destabilizing colloidal particles to form flocs for removal.
Common coagulant: Alum (Al₂(SO₄)₃).
5. Aerobic Decomposition
It is the breakdown of organic matter in the presence of oxygen, producing CO₂, water, and energy.
6. Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD)
ThOD is the amount of oxygen required to completely oxidize organic matter chemically.
7. Coincident Draft
Coincident draft is the maximum water demand occurring at the same time from different users.
SECTION B – Medium Answer
(7 × 3 = 21 marks | Attempt ANY THREE)
Write concept → explanation → example/diagram
1. Population Forecasting Methods Arithmetic increase method: Assumes constant growth
Geometric increase method: Assumes percentage growth
Used for estimating future water demand.
2. Service Reservoirs – Design Considerations Storage capacity
Location and elevation Inlet, outlet, and overflow arrangement
Structural safety and accessibility
3. Environmental Impact of Wastewater Disposal Water pollution (eutrophication)
Soil contamination Groundwater pollution
Indicators: BOD, COD, pathogens, nutrients, heavy metals.
4. Sedimentation & Filtration
Sedimentation: Settling of suspended solids under gravity
Filtration: Removal of fine particles through sand media (Neat sketches fetch extra marks)
5. Activated Sludge Process (ASP) Aeration tank
Secondary clarifier Sludge recirculation
Challenges: Sludge bulking, high energy use, operational control.
SECTION C – Attempt ANY ONE
(7 marks)
1. Leakage Detection & Control in Old Pipelines Acoustic methods: Accurate but costly
Pressure management: Preventive approach District metered areas: Effective for large networks
Compare on cost, efficiency, and difficulty.