Abstract
Abstract Stream pollution from human sewage is one of the oldest types of pollution, yet is pervasive today in both highly industrialized and less-developed nations. Pollutants include microbial pathogens, nutrients, suspended solids, BOD, pharmaceuticals, and other compounds. In this chapter the design of wastewater treatment plants is explained, what is treated and what isn’t, and results of failures described. Some human waste is treated by septic systems, which may operate well in proper circumstances but are sources of groundwater and surface water pollution where soils are porous and the water table high. Industrial-scale livestock production is a large source of stream pollution (microbial, nutrient, BOD) in selected areas, because the concentrated animal waste receives minimal treatment (often in waste lagoons) and is discharged into the air and/or onto surrounding soils. The waste pollutes streams from surface runoff, from groundwater movement through porous soils, and by atmospheric deposition of ammonia and fecal microbes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
