What discharge constituents have the potential to cause explosions in sewer systems?

Gasoline and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) are known to be volatile organic compounds with low flash points, making them highly flammable and capable of forming explosive mixtures with air when present in sufficient concentrations. When these substances enter sewer systems, they can create hazardous conditions. In an enclosed environment like a sewer, if there is a source of ignition, such as a spark from electrical equipment or static electricity, an explosion can occur.

This risk is particularly heightened in sewer systems where gases can accumulate in confined spaces, leading to potentially dangerous scenarios. Effective management and monitoring are crucial to mitigate these risks in waste management systems.

The other options involve compounds that, while potentially hazardous, do not generally pose the same immediate risk of explosion in sewer environments as gasoline and MEK. For instance, organic solvents vary widely in volatility and flammability, simple hydrocarbons can have different properties depending on the specific chemical structure, and while acidic compounds can pose other risks, they are not typically associated with explosion hazards in the same way that gasoline and MEK are in sewer systems.