Corrosion can occur in water treatment systems with which of the following?

• A. Almost any metal
• B. Only iron and steel
• C. Plastic materials
• D. Wooden components

Answer: (A)

Corrosion is a process that typically affects metals when they are exposed to certain environmental conditions, such as moisture, oxygen, and certain chemicals present in the water or surrounding environment. Almost any metal can be susceptible to corrosion, depending on several factors, including the type of metal, the presence of corrosion inhibitors, the pH of the water, temperature, and the presence of corrosive agents like chlorine or sulfides.

Metals such as copper, aluminum, and stainless steel can corrode under specific conditions, just as iron and steel do. Understanding that corrosion can impact a wide range of metals is crucial for water treatment professionals because it highlights the need for selecting appropriate materials and implementing preventive measures in the design and maintenance of water treatment systems.

The other options are more limited in the scope of materials they mention. Iron and steel are indeed prone to corrosion but are not the only types of metals that can suffer from this issue. Plastic materials are generally resistant to corrosion; however, they can degrade under certain conditions, such as exposure to UV light or high temperatures, but this degradation is not classified as corrosion in the same sense as it applies to metals. Wooden components can also be affected, typically by rot or biodegradation rather than corrosion, which is a