Wastewater is water that has been used and contains waste materials from domestic, industrial, and agricultural sources.

The main sources of wastewater are domestic activities, industrial processes, and agricultural runoff.

Sewage is a mixture of wastewater from homes, industries, and other establishments, carrying both organic and inorganic waste materials.

The components of sewage include organic matter, inorganic matter, pathogens, nutrients, toxic chemicals, and solids.

Organic contaminants in wastewater include human waste, food waste, and plant debris.

Chemical contaminants in wastewater include detergents, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.

Physical contaminants in wastewater include plastic, glass, and other solid debris.

Preliminary treatment involves screening to remove large debris and grit removal to eliminate sand, gravel, and other heavy particles.

During primary treatment, suspended solids settle at the bottom of the treatment tank through the process of sedimentation.

Secondary treatment involves aeration and biological treatment to decompose organic matter using bacteria and microorganisms.

Tertiary treatment involves filtration to remove remaining suspended particles and disinfection to kill harmful microorganisms.

Effluent is the treated water that is discharged into the environment after wastewater treatment.

Sludge is the solid waste that settles during the treatment process, which can be further treated and used as fertilizer.

Wastewater management prevents pollution, protects aquatic life, and maintains clean water bodies.

Proper wastewater treatment prevents the spread of waterborne diseases by eliminating pathogens from sewage.

Individuals can conserve water, avoid disposing harmful chemicals into drains, and participate in community awareness programs.

Community actions include educating people about wastewater management, implementing local projects, and participating in joint forest management.

Greywater recycling involves reusing wastewater from baths, sinks, and washing machines for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

Composting toilets decompose human waste into compost, reducing the need for water and treating sewage.

Constructed wetlands use natural processes involving wetland vegetation, soils, and microbial assemblages to treat wastewater.

Bioremediation involves using microorganisms to remove contaminants from wastewater.

Proper wastewater management reduces the harmful effects of pollutants on aquatic plants and animals, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.

The steps involved are preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment.

Community involvement ensures sustainable practices, effective management, and increased awareness of the importance of clean water.

Untreated wastewater can spread waterborne diseases, contaminate drinking water sources, and harm public health.

Pathogens are harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases.