Sewage

Sewage is a type of wastewater that is produced by a community of people. It is typically transported through a sewage system to a sewage treatment plant where it is treated and then discharged to the environment. Sewage is a major carrier of disease and can also lead to environmental problems if not properly managed.

Types of Sewage

There are three types of sewage: domestic, industrial, and stormwater.

• Domestic sewage is produced by residential and commercial buildings. It includes human waste, soaps, detergents, and food waste.

• Industrial sewage is produced by industrial processes. It can contain a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and chemicals.

• Stormwater is rainwater that has run off the land. It can pick up pollutants as it flows over the ground, including sediment, nutrients, bacteria, and chemicals.

Sewage Treatment

Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from sewage to produce an effluent that can be safely discharged to the environment. The process typically involves three stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment.

• Primary treatment involves the removal of large solids and grit. This is usually achieved through screening and sedimentation.

• Secondary treatment involves the biological breakdown of dissolved organic matter using bacteria. This is usually achieved through aeration and the use of activated sludge.

• Tertiary treatment involves the removal of nutrients and any remaining solids. This is usually achieved through filtration and disinfection.

Environmental Impact

Sewage can have a significant impact on the environment if not properly managed. It can contaminate water bodies, leading to water pollution and the spread of disease. It can also contribute to eutrophication, a process where excess nutrients in water bodies lead to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, which can deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.

See Also

• Water treatment
• Wastewater
• Sanitation

Sewage Resources
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