What Is Sewage?

What sewage is, where it comes from, and why untreated sewage is dangerous. Class 7 Science with quiz.

Class 7 ScienceClass 7 / Grade 7Ages 9–12
Lesson
🚿 What Is Sewage?
Wastewater — what goes down the drain?🚿Domestictoilets, sinks,baths, washingmachines; soapsand faeces🏭Industrialfactory effluents;heavy metals,chemicals, dyes,heat🌾Agriculturalfertiliser runoffpesticides,animal wasteinto streams🏥Hospitalpharmaceuticalwastes, blood,bacteria, viruses(biohazard)🌧️Stormwaterrainwater picksup oil, dirt,rubbish fromroadsUntreated sewage is the world's biggest pollution source!

Wastewater — also called sewage — is water that has been used and contaminated. It comes from many sources. Domestic wastewater comes from toilets, sinks, baths, and washing machines — it contains soap, human waste, and food scraps. Industrial wastewater from factories contains heavy metals, dyes, and chemicals. Agricultural runoff carries pesticides and fertilisers. Hospital waste includes pharmaceuticals, blood, and pathogens. Stormwater picks up oil, litter, and animal waste from roads. Together, untreated sewage is the world's largest source of water pollution.

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