Which chemical is Peracetic Acid abbreviated as PAA?

• A. Polyacrylic Acid
• B. Phosphoric Acid
• C. Peracetic Acid
• D. Benzoic Acid

Answer: (C)

PAA stands for Peracetic Acid. The abbreviation is built from the name itself—P for Per and AA for Acetic Acid—highlighting the per-oxidized form of acetic acid used as a disinfectant in water treatment. In wastewater contexts, Peracetic Acid is the chemical most commonly referred to by this acronym. Note that Polyacrylic Acid can also be abbreviated PAA in polymer chemistry, but in this setting the intent is Peracetic Acid. The other options are different acids with their own common abbreviations: Phosphoric Acid and Benzoic Acid, and Polyacrylic Acid in other fields, do not match the Peracetic Acid abbreviation in this context.