This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Water Treatment for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Water Treatment in Using Resources for GCSE Chemistry with 23 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 11 of 14 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 Memory Aids
SSFC — The 4 stages of drinking water treatment:
S.S.F.C. = "Some Students Find Chemistry (easy!)"
- Screening — removes large debris with grids
- Sedimentation — particles settle under gravity
- Filtration — sand and gravel remove smaller particles
- Chlorination — kills remaining microorganisms
For sewage treatment, remember P-B-C (Physical, Biological, Chemical):
- Primary = Physical (screening + settling tanks)
- Biological = Bacteria break down organic matter
- Chemical/Tertiary = Chemical disinfection (Higher Tier)
Potable vs Pure: "POTable water is POTentially drinkable but not necessarily pure."
Practice questions for Water Treatment
What does the term 'potable water' mean?
Explain what happens to the sewage sludge produced during waste water treatment, and why this process is useful.