Effects of Waste Water

EFFECTS OF WASTE WATER

In developing countries, waste water is directly disposed into water bodies or on land with or without proper treatment, which leads to the following issues:

1. Unsightly appearance

2. Odour nuisance - Gases released from sewage cause foul smell.

3. Nuisance of mosquito breeding, flies, rodents, insects etc

4. Outbreak of Diseases/Epidemics: Waste water contains numerous pathogens (disease causing microorganisms) and improper disposal may cause serious diseases and illness to urban and rural population.

5.  Water Pollution: When waste water is discharged into fresh water bodies (rivers, lakes etc), numerous pollutants are released into it and the oxygen level of water depletes. The water becomes unfit for human use. This water may even become fatal if given to infants (Blue Baby Syndrome).

6. Land Pollution: Caused due to the harmful and toxic chemicals in waste water.

7. Ground Water Contamination : Waste water discharged on land, percolates through the soil and pollutes underground water sources and renders it unsuitable for use.

8. Contamination of drinking water supplies

9. Ecological imbalance: When waste water is discharged into water bodies, the aquatic plants and animals are affected which may alter the ecosystem.

Eg: When waste water is discharged into lakes, due to the high concentration of dgir dw Nutrients in it, algae grows in excess and covers the lake surface, which prevents