Glossary

Underground water supply and disposal networks (sewage systems) are also described as technogenous regions.

Study of the structure or composition of the earth’s crust.

The Tertiary is the geological period of the Cenozonic era, i.e. from the start of the Cretaceous period (65 million years ago) to the start of the Quaternary (approx. 2.6 million years ago).

Colourless, volatile liquid; also referred to as perchloroethylene (PCE). Tetrachloroethylene is a highly toxic chlorinated hydrocarbon (see: CHC) and is classified as a category 3 carcinogen.

Incineration of waste.

Scientific discipline involving the surveying, portrayal and description of terrain, locations and landscapes.

Degree to which a substance can damage a living or non-living organism.

Characteristic properties relating to the toxicity of a substance.

Trace elements are substances with a concentration in water of less than 100 micrograms per litre. These can be inorganic or organic trace elements that effect the quality of water.

Aliphatic, chlorinated organic compound. One of the most commonly used cleaning and degreasing agents. It also serves as an extracting agent for natural fat, resin, oil and wax. The substance belongs to the group of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons (->VCHC) and is classified as a category 1 carcinogen and germ cell mutagen.

Wastewater treatment system in which the water is cleaned by being trickled over a porous fixed bed (e.g. volcanic slag). The organic materials separated from the water are biodegraded by micro-organisms on the fixed bed (the “microbial film”).