Our glossary explains technical terms from the area water research. We hope it facilitates the understanding of this publication. If you have comments or suggestions, please use our
-
Capacity-Building/Development
In the context of international co-operation for human resource and organisational development, the aim of capacity development is provide technical support and advice to people in developing countries. This involves strengthening local competence in a sustainable manner and raising the capacities of the country such that effective solutions can be found to social, political and economic problems.
-
Capillary networks
Networks of tiny vessels and ramifications (capillaries).
-
Capillary pressure
This is the force that causes liquids to rise up when in contact with narrow tubes, gaps or hollow spaces. This effect is caused by the surface tension of liquids and the interfacial tension between liquids and the solid surface.
-
Catalysis
Chemical reaction in which a suitable substance is employed as a catalyst (accelerator), usually with the aim if increasing the reaction speed.
-
cDCE degradation product
The formula stands for cis-1,2-dichloro-ethene. It is created by the degradation of ► tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and ►trichloroethylene (TCE). Both substances are examples of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons (►VCHC).
-
CFU
Colony-forming unit
-
CHC (chlorinated hydrocarbons)
Collective name for organic compounds containing at least one chlorine atom bound directly to a carbon atom. CHCs are contained in many products and are used as base materials in the chemical industry, as solvents and as pesticides. As a result of their wide-spread use and high stability, CHCs are now ubiquitous in the environment.
-
Chlorobenzene
Aromatic organic compound used, among other things, as a thinner in the paint industry, a degreasing agent in the textile and metal industry and as an extracting agent.
-
COD
The chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a measure of the amount of water-based substances that can be oxidised under specific conditions. It indicates the volume of oxygen (in mg/l) required for the oxidation of these substances.
-
Co-fermentation
Addition of ►anaerobically degradable substances in a ►digester or biogas plant.
-
Combined heat and power (CHP) plant
System for the combined generation of power and heat based on the principle of cogeneration. In a CHP plant, the heat lost as waste heat in conventional power generation is converted to steam, which can then be used for heating purposes (district heating).
-
Contaminant plume
The spread of dissolved contaminants in the ►aquifer.
