Sewage is the municipal waste water generated daily in cities and towns. It contains large amounts of organic matter and millions of microorganisms, many of which are pathogenic.
Harmful Effects of Sewage :
1.Spread of Diseases : Since it contains many pathogenic microbes, its disposal into water bodies without treatment can lead to outbreaks of water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
2. Depletion of Dissolved Oxygen : The organic matter in sewage is decomposed by aerobic bacteria, which consumes a vast amount of oxygen (High BOD). This leads to the death of fish and other aquatic creatures due to lack of oxygen.
3. Environmental Pollution : Direct discharge of sewage into rivers and streams pollutes natural water sources, making the water unfit for drinking or domestic use.