How does sewage affect the environment?
Waste or sewer may look unattractive but could have immense and adverse environmental effects when improperly handled. With continued urbanisation and population growth, the proper treatment and disposal of sewage take on utmost significance for the preservation of ecosystems and the protection of public health. So, how does sewage impact the environment – this is what we shall discuss in this section.
Water Pollution
The impact of sewage on the environment is perhaps the most immediate and visible regarding water pollution. When untreated or poorly treated sewage is discharged into water bodies like rivers, lakes, or coastal areas, it introduces a cocktail of pollutants:
Pathogens: With such diseases as enteric illnesses caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, sewage may be dangerous not only for water organisms but also for human health.
Nutrients: Nitrogen and phosphorus make sewage rich and so cause an overgrowth of algae and other waterborne plants. Eutrophication is the process that causes oxygen depletion in water bodies, making it unsuitable for aquatic forms of life, hence creating “dead zones”.
Chemical Contaminants: Household and industrial waste products is also found in sewage. Some of these pollutants are heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, detergents and pests that are poisonous to aquatic life and can upset the ecosystem.
Habitat Degradation
Aquatic habitats can be altered and denigrated by sewage contamination. Too much nutrients may enhance the growth of invasive plants, which may out-compete local fauna and flora. As well as this, the buildup of organic matter in water courses can result in suffocation of benthic habitats (bottom of water bodies), hence making it less conducive for aquatic organisms.
Disruption of Food Chains
Sewage water pollution may interfere with aquatic food chains. Pollution causes a change in the makeup of the marine ecosystem, thereby altering the food supply to different species.
Impact on Drinking Water
Drinking water sources can be contaminated. Leakages of sewage pollutants may pollute aquifers and wells. This is directly risky to human health when the drinking water becomes so costly and requires much treatment.
Marine Ecosystem Damage
Marine ecosystems can be significantly adversely affected when sewage is discharged into coastal zones. Sewage pollution is incredibly high with coral reefs. These increased nutrient levels can cause coral bleaching and diseases, leading to the destruction of these critical marine ecosystems.
Air Quality Issues
The sewage treatment facilities may emit bad-smelling gases like hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, and other compounds into the atmosphere. Local air quality may be affected and these emissions may negatively impact the health of nearby residents.
Soil Contamination
The disposal of untreated sewage sludge into the soil or utilising it as an untreated fertiliser can result in the contamination of both soil with pathogens and chemicals. These can adversely affect agriculture, hinder the growth of plants, and constitute a health hazard to plants and animals.
Conclusion
Sewage’s environmental impact is quite wide-ranging and complicated. Water pollution occurs due to untreated sewer water, which also results in the contamination of marine ecosystems, degradation of habitats, disturbance of food chains, and breakdown of air and soil. With increasing populations across the globe, effective sewage handling is essential to reduce the negative consequences on the environment and mankind. It is crucial to treat and manage sewage properly in order to protect the environment, as well as to preserve the health and safety of people globally. Incorporating sustainable sewage treatment practices and educating people about the effects of sewage pollution are essential initial steps for a cleaner and eco-friendly environment.
Netsol Water is Greater Noida-based leading water & wastewater treatment plant manufacturer. We are industry's most demanding company based on client review and work quality. We are known as best commercial RO plant manufacturers, industrial RO plant manufacturer, sewage treatment plant manufacturer, Water Softener Plant Manufacturers and effluent treatment plant manufacturers. Apart from this 24x7 customer support is our USP. Call on +91-9650608473, or write us at enquiry@netsolwater.com for any support, inquiry or product-purchase related query.