UNIT IV_DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE

4.1 SEWAGE DISPOSAL METHODS:

The various methods of sewage disposal are (i) Dilution and (ii) Land treatment
(i) Sewage disposal by Dilution:
The disposal of sewage by discharging it into watercourses such as streams, rivers or large
body of water such as a lake, sea is called dilution. This method of disposal is only possible
when the natural water in required quantity is available near the town. While discharging the
sewage in this way care should be taken that the sewage may not pollute the natural water
and render it unfit for any other purpose such as bathing, drinking, fish culture, rough
industrial use and irrigation. This results in the pollution of the receiving water. The degree of
pollution depends on the dilution, volume and composition of the wastewater as compared to
the volume and quality of the water with which it is mixed. When the volume and organic
content of the wastewater is small, compared with the volume of the receiving water, the
dissolved oxygen present in the receiving water is adequate to provide for aerobic
decomposition of the organic solids in the wastewater so that nuisance conditions do not
develop. However, in spite of the continued aerobic status of the receiving water, microbial
pollution remains a health menace and floating solids in the wastewater, if not previously
removed, are visible evidence of the pollution.
Where the dissolved oxygen in the receiving water is inadequate to maintain aerobic
decomposition, anaerobic decomposition takes place and putrefaction with objectionable
conditions results. It is not so much the volume of wastewater that is the critical factor as the
amount of readily decomposable organic matter in the wastewater. Thus a volume of
wastewater that has been treated to remove or reduce this organic matter can be discharged to
a natural surface water without creating objectionable conditions while the same volume of
raw or untreated wastewater might produce a nuisance. The dissolved oxygen in the receiving
water is the determining factor.
Less obvious problems associated with this type of disposal are the effects of toxic or
potentially toxic compounds found in domestic and industrial wastewater. These may involve
immediate toxic effects such as heavy metals in fish and the "concentration" of certain
biologically resistant compounds in the food chain. An example would be the accumulation
of certain pesticides by microorganisms that are consumed by higher organisms to include
fish, birds, and even man. Another subtle environmental effect now of some concern due to
disposal of untreated wastewater by dilution is the enrichment of receiving waters by the
introduction of plant nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. The presence of excessive
amounts of these nutrients can stimulate plant and algae growth in the receiving waters. This
is of special concern in inland, enclosed waters such as lakes and ponds, where the body of
water can be harmed by gradual long-range changes that take place over the years.
(ii) Land Treatment:
When the sewage is evenly spread on the surface of land methods is called land treatment the
water of sewage percolates in the ground and the organic suspended solids remain at the
surface of the ground the organic suspended solids are partly acted upon by the bacteria are
partly oxidized by exposure to atmospheric action of heat light and air.

4.2 SELF PURIFICATION OF STREAMS:

Def: When sewage is discharged into a natural stream or river, the organic matter present in
the sewage gets oxidized by bacteria and converted into simple, inoffensive, stable
substances. In this process of oxidation, the DO content of stream or river is utilized. Due to
this, deficiency of DO is created in stream water which is filled up by the absorption of
atmospheric oxygen. Thus DO of stream water is consumed by sewage discharged into it
(deoxygenation) and at the same time it is replenished by oxygen from atmosphere

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(reaeration). This phenomenon which occurs in all natural streams or rivers is known as self-
purification of streams.
Zones of decomposition:

The various actions involved in self-purification process are physical, chemical and
biological in nature and are listed below.
(i) Zone of Degradation:
 Located near the point of outfall sewer(point of inflexion) which is discharging
sewage into the stream or river
 Suddenly D.O drops and reaches 40% saturation
 Characterized by dark and turbid water with the formation of sludge deposits at
bottom.
 decomposition of organic matter under anaerobic conditions start to take place at the
bottom.
 reaeration is slower than deoxygenation
aquatic life disappear, fungi at higher points and bacteria at lower points, sludge
worms breed on sewage sludge.
(ii) Zone of active decomposition:
 This zone is characterized by heavy pollution, water turning greyish and darker than
previous zone
 D.O reduces from 40% saturation to its lowest point (critical point c) before
recovering back to 40% saturation at the end of this zone. Initially deoxygenation
exceeds reaeration but once all the organic matter is stabilized reaeration overcomes
deoxygenation.
 Characterized by active anaerobic decomposition with the evolution of gases like
CH4, CO2, H2S and N2 bubbling to the surface with masses of sludge forming black
scum layer at the surface.
 Fish life is practically absent. Aerobic bacteria at upper end and anerobic bacteria at
lower end of the stream. Protozoa and Fungi first disappear and then reappear. Algae
are mostly absent.

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(iii) Zone of recovery:
 Process of recovery starts and the condition of the stream changes from its degraded
state to its original condition. Water becomes clearer.
 Most of the stabilized organic matter settles down as sludge. Mineralization is active
and products such as nitrates, sulphates and carbonates are formed.
 BOD falls and D.O rises to from 40% saturation to its original value.
 Microscopic aquatic life reappear at the end of this zone. Fungi decrease and algae
reappear
(iv) Zone of clear water:
 Water becomes clearer and attractive in appearance.
 D.O content rises to its former condition. Oxygen balance is attained and recovery is
said to be complete.
 BOD is very less. Bacterial population reduces since all organic matter is stabilized
and exhausted. However some pathogenic bacteria may still survive and they may be
present in this zone. Hence it will not be safe to drink the water in this zone.
 Algae and aquatic life starts developing.

4.2.1 Factors affecting self purification of streams:

The rate of self-purification depends on various factors such as rate of re-aeration, type of
organic matter present in sewage, temperature, velocity of flow, presence of available oxygen
in receiving waters, sedimentation, etc.
1. Dilution:
 When sewage is discharged into large volume of stream water, it disperses and
dilution takes place. When the dilution rate is high, the self purification of the stream
takes place in short duration with lesser downstream length.
 When dilution factor increases, D.O will increase and reduce putrefaction or
pollution. The concentration of components such as organic matter, BOD, suspended
solids gets reduced. Nuisance potential is reduced
2. Oxidation:
Oxidation of organic matter present in sewage by aerobic bacteria utilizes dissolved
oxygen. If the stream is heavily polluted by sewage, then it absorbs more oxygen to effect
self purification of stream.
3. Reduction:
The organic matter of sewage settled at the bottom of the stream is reduced to liquids
and gases due to hydrolysis either chemically or biologically. Anaerobic bacteria split the
complex organic matter into liquids and gases and thus pave way for their stabilization by
oxidation. Such reduction of complex organic matter assists the process of self-purification of
streams.
4. Sedimentation:
The settleable solids contained in sewage drop down to the bottom of the stream and are thus
easily separated. The process of sedimentation of sewage solids help to clarify the liquid from
the sludge and helps in self purification of streams.
5. Action of sunlight:
The sunlight has bleaching and stabilizing effects on bacteria. It also helps certain algae to
derive energy from it and through biological action convert themselves into food and other
forms of life and absorb CO2 and release oxygen by a process known as photosynthesis.
Further sunlight acts as a disinfectant and stimulates the growth of algae.

4.3 OXYGEN SAG ANALYSIS:

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Oxygen sag (or) oxygen deficit is the difference between the saturation DO and the actual
DO content.
Oxygen deficit, D = (saturation DO – actual DO)
The value of saturation DO for fresh water depends on the temperature of water and it
decreases with increase in temperature.
At the point where sewage is discharged into a stream (or) river, DO of stream starts
depleting in order to meet the BOD. This depletion of DO is called deoxygenation.
Rate of deoxygenation depends on:
(i) amount of organic matter remaining to be oxidized at any time ‘t’
(ii) temperature of polluted water
Due to deoxygenation, DO of the stream would be rapidly consumed. Whenever DO content
of water falls below saturation, oxygen is absorbed at water surface from the atmosphere.
Oxygen is also contributed by green plants & algae during photosynthesis under the influence
of sunlight. This supply of oxygen is termed as reoxygenation and (or) reaeration.
The rate of reoxygenation depends on:
(i) depth of water
(ii) velocity of flow
(iii) deficit of oxygen below saturation
(iv) temperature of water
The variation of the rate of deoxygenation with time is shown by the deoxygenation
curve. The ordinates below the deoxygenation curve indicate DO remaining in water after
satisfying BOD. The variation of rate of reoxygenation with time is shown by the
reoxygenation curve. The ordinates below this curve indicate the oxygen absorbed by flowing
water. The oxygen sag curve represents the net oxygen balance and ordinate above the curve
indicate DO deficit at different times in the flowing water.
When sewage is discharged into the stream (or) river, rate of deoxygenation exceeds
rate of reoxygenation and sag curve shows increasing deficit of DO. When rate of
deoxygenation is equal to the rate of reoxygenation, critical point of maximum deficit is
reached. After the critical point, rate of reoxygenation exceeds rate of deoxygenation and DO
deficit goes on decreasing.
Note: Deoxygenation and Reoxygenation occurs simultaneously. After critical point, the rate
of re-aeration (i.e. reoxygenation) is greater than the deoxygenation and after some distance

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the DO will reach to the original level and stream will not have any effect due to addition of
wastewater. At any time t = 0, x = 0.
Working principle:
Reoxygenation curve:
 In order to counter the balance of the consumption of DO due to deoxygenation,
atmosphere supplies O2 to water and the process is called reoxygenation
 The rate at which oxygen is supplied by atmosphere to the polluted water depends
upon:
 Depth of the receiving water
 Condition of flow
 Oxygen deficit
 Temperature
Oxygen deficit curve:
 In running polluted stream exposed to the atmosphere, the deoxygenation as well
as reoxygenation go hand in hand, if deoxygenation is more rapid than the
reoxygenation, an oxygen deficit results.
 The amount of resultant oxygen deficit can be obtained by algebraically adding the
deoxygenation and reoxygenation curve.
The resultant curve is known as oxygen sag curve.

4.4 STREETER PHELPS EQUATION:

The analysis of oxygen sag curve can be easily done by superimposing the rate of
deoxygenation and reoxygenation as suggested by the streeter – Phelps analysis.
The rate of change in the DO deficit is the sum of the two reactions as explained below:
𝐷𝑑𝑡
= f (deoxygenation and reoxygenation)
𝑑𝑡
𝐷𝑑𝑡
(or) 𝑑𝑡 = K'Lt - R'Dt ----Eq. 1
Where, Dt = DO deficit at any time t,
Lt = amount of first stage BOD remaining at any time t,
K' = BOD reaction rate constant (or) deoxygenation constant (to the base e)
R' = reoxygenation constant (to the base e)
t = time (in days)
𝐷𝑑𝑡
= rate of change of DO deficit.
𝑑𝑡
′
Now, Lt = Lo.𝑒 −𝑘 .𝑡
Where, Lo = BOD remaining at any time t.
Substituting in Eq.1:
𝐷𝑑𝑡 ′
= K'. Lo. 𝑒 −𝑘 .𝑡 - R'Dt ----Eq.2
𝑑𝑡
𝐷𝑑𝑡 −𝑘 ′ .𝑡
(or) 𝑑𝑡 + R'Dt = K'. Lo. 𝑒 ----Eq.3
This is the first order first degree differential equation and solution for this equation is as
under,
K′ .Lo ′ ′ ′
Dt = R′ −K′ (𝑒 −K .t - 𝑒 −R .t ) + Do. 𝑒 −𝐾 .𝑡 ----Eq.4
Changing base of natural log to 10, the equation can be expressed as:
[Link]
Dt = R−K (10−K.t – 10−R.t ) + Do. 10−𝐾.𝑡 ----Eq.5
Where, K = BOD reaction rate constant, to the base 10
R = reoxygenation constant to the base 10

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 Do = initial oxygen deficit at the point of waste discharge at time t = 0
t = time of travel in the stream from the point of discharge = x / u
x = distance along the stream
u = stream velocity
This is streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation.

4.5 SEWAGE DISPOSAL BY LAND TREATMENT (or) SEWAGE FARMING:

When wastewater (either raw (or) partly treated) is applied (or) spread on the surface of land,
the method is called “disposal by land treatment”. Some part of wastewater evaporates, while
the other part percolates into the ground leaving behind suspended solids, which are partly
acted upon by bacteria and partly oxidized by exposure to atmospheric actions of air, heat &
light. Disposal by land treatment maybe of 3 types namely (I) Sewage farming. (II) Rapid
infiltration. (III) Overland runoff.
(i) SEWAGE FARMING:
When “the fertilizing value of sewage (or) wastewater” is taken advantage of, by
utilizing it for the growth of crops, it is called “sewage farming”. In addition to the
irrigational potential of water content in the sewage, the sewage also contains “fertilizing
elements” like nitrates, sulphates & phosphates along with nutrients like nitrogen, potassium
& phosphorous to add to the fertility of the soil & crops. The sewage effluent, before being
used for irrigation, must be given pre-treatment (or) made safe of suspended solids that may
clog the voids of the soil leading to unhealthy (or) anaerobic condition of the land. Also care
should be taken to ensure that the seepage wastewater must be collected below by a system of
subsoil under-drains in order not to affect the ground water table beneath it. Nearly all grains
& grasses are suitable for sewage farming. Hay grass, Corn, Norway spruce & Japanese larch
are most suited for sewage farming. Also crops grown for animal consumption (or) for seed
production can generally accept low quality effluent (like sewage). However certain root
crops (like carrot & beetroot) grown for human consumption are not suitable for sewage
farming because of the “saturation of the root zone” by wastewater leading to contamination.
Sewage Sickness: After continuous application of sewage on a piece of land, the soil pores
(or) voids go on decreasing and a stage comes when the soil gets clogged by the deposition of
sewage solids. At this stage, the free circulation of air through the soil pores will be
prevented, leading to anaerobic conditions with the emanation of foul smelling gas like H2S
along with CH4 & Co2. This exhausted condition of the land is called “sewage sickness”.
Preventive measures of sewage sickness:
1. Pretreatment of sewage: By giving primary treatment to the sewage, the suspended
solids are removed. Due to this measure, the pores of the soil will not get clogged
quickly. Also, BOD load will be reduced by about 30%.
2. Drainage of soil: The subsoil drain pipes should be laid in sufficient numbers to
collect the percolated effluent.
3. Depth of sewage: If sewage is applied in excess, then the chances of sewage sickness
is increased. If spray irrigation is adopted, then the nominal application rate should be
6mm / hr for 8hrs, followed by 160 hrs of resting (or) 6mm / hr for 4hrs twice daily
twice a week.
4. Land treatment: Intermittent application of sewage, by giving adequate rest to land is
essential. The land should be ploughed thoroughly during the non supply period so
that the soil gets aerated.
5. Rotation of crops: It is desirable to grow different types of crops on a piece of land
instead of one single crop. The rotation of crops minimizes the chances of sewage
sickness.

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 6. Proper choice of land: The land chosen for this purpose should be sandy (or) loamy,
having high permeability. Clayey soil should be avoided.
4.5.1 LAND DISPOSAL METHODS OF SEWAGE (or) SEWAGE FARMING:
I. Irrigation or sewage farming {(i) Sprinkler or spray irrigation (ii) Sub-surface
irrigation (iii) Surface irrigation[a. Basin method b. Flooding method c. Furrow
method]}
II. Overland flow
III. Rapid infiltration or Infiltration-percolation.
IV. Deep well injection
I. Methods of Sewage Farming (or) Methods of Irrigation on land by wastewater:
When “the fertilizing value of sewage” is taken advantage of, by utilizing it for the growth of
crops, it is called “sewage farming”. In addition to the irrigational potential of water content
in the sewage, the sewage also contains “fertilizing elements” like nitrates, sulphates &
phosphates along with nutrients like nitrogen, potassium & phosphorous to add to the fertility
of the soil & crops.
Methods of sewage farming:

1. Sprinkler Irrigation or Spray Irrigation:

In this method, sewage is spread over the land through nozzles which are fitted at the tips of
pipes. Sewage is sprinkled under pressure and the process can also be used for watering
gardens & lawns. Sprinkler irrigation gives the effect of raindrop action of distribution of
wastewater. Common application rates are 2.5 cm to 10 cm per week, depending on soil
characteristics, nutrient requirement of plants e.t.c.

Only low pressure sprinklers are best suited for wastewater irrigation. High pressure
sprinklers may cause aerosols that may be carried away by wind thus transporting airborne
pathogens. Hydrants for the supply of sewage under pressure may be located at suitable
intervals so as to cover the entire field. This method of sewage application is useful for sandy
soils and also for hilly land having steep slopes.
2. Subsurface irrigation:
In this method, sewage is supplied directly to the root zone of plants through a system of
underground pipes with open joints. Sewage, as it flows through these pipes, percolates
through the open joints, and is distributed in the surrounding area through the capillary
action. This method is useful for places where rainfall is poor and demand for irrigation is

7
high and subsoil water level is low. It entails less loss of water due to evaporation and
absorption. However, this method is costly and it gives less yield of crops. Hence it is not
generally adopted in practice.
3. Surface Irrigation:
In this method, sewage is applied directly on the land. This method is widely adopted
in practice and its different modes of application are as follows:
a. Basin method
b. Ridge & Furrow method
c. Flooding method
a. Basin method:
In this method basins are constructed around the plants and they are filled by sewage.
The sewage slowly percolates to the root zone of plants and maintains the root zone in moist
or damp condition. This method is useful for orchards or gardens of fruit trees.
b. Ridge & Furrow method:

In this method, furrows & ridges are formed alternatively as shown. Furrows are small
ditches having depth of 400 mm & width of 1.2 m. Ridges have lengths of 30 m & width of
about 1.2 m. The furrows are filled with sewage of about 2/3rd of their depth. The subsoil
drain pipes collect the percolated effluent and lead to nearby natural waters for disposal.
c. Flooding method:
In this method land is divided into rectangular plots of convenient dimensions. Sewage is
distributed over these plots to a depth of 30cm to 60cm. Subsoil drain pipes are provided to
supply air to the soil & to remove the percolated effluent through the soil.
II. RAPID INFILTRATION or INFILTRATION -PERCOLATION:

This involves the application of sewage to spreading basins, where it is allowed to

percolate down to the groundwater. Thus besides sewage disposal this method is useful for
groundwater recharge. To be effective, the underlying soils must be highly permeable. In
order to maintain an adequate infiltration capacity, the basins are operated on the intermittent
basis. The operating and resting period may vary from a few days up to six months.

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III. OVERLAND FLOW:

Overland flow involves the controlled discharge of sewage onto land having slope of 2 to 8
%, where it flows in a thin layer down the grade and appears as runoff which is collected and
disposed off. This method is adopted when land is relatively impermeable. The land is
generally planted with a grass cover crop to provide a habitat for microorganisms, to serve as
a living filter, and to prevent erosion.

IV. DEEP WELL INJECTION OF SEWAGE:

Deep well injection is a liquid waste disposal technology. This alternative uses injection wells
to place treated or untreated liquid waste into geologic formations that have no potential to
allow migration of contaminants into potential potable water aquifers. A typical injection
well consists of concentric pipes, which extend several thousand feet down(about 1700 feet to
about 10,000 feet) from the surface level into highly saline, permeable injection zones that
are confined vertically by impermeable strata. This procedure involves pumping liquid waste
through a steel casing into a porous layer of limestone or sandstone. High pressures are
applied to force the liquid into the pores and fissures of the rock, where it is to be
permanently stored. The injection zone must lie below a layer of impervious rock or clay, and
it may extend more than 0.8 km (0.5 mile) below the surface. Deep-well injection is relatively
inexpensive and requires little or no pretreatment of the waste, but it poses a danger of
leaking hazardous waste and eventually polluting subsurface water supplies. The outermost

9
pipe or surface casing, extends below the base of any underground sources of drinking water
(USDW) and is cemented back to the surface to prevent contamination of the USDW.
Directly inside the surface casing is a long string casing that extends to and sometimes into
the injection zone. This casing is filled in with cement all the way back to the surface in order
to seal off the injected waste from the formations above the injection zone back to the
surface. The casing provides a seal between the wastes in the injection zone and the upper
formations. The waste is injected through the injection tubing inside the long string casing
either through perforations in the long string or in the open hole below the bottom of the long
string. The space between the string casing and the injection tube, called the annulus, is filled
with an inert, pressurized fluid, and is sealed at the bottom by a removable packer preventing
injected wastewater from backing up into the annulus.

BENEFITS OF SEWAGE FARMING:

Reuses wastewater effectively, reducing the need for freshwater in irrigation.
(ii) Helps in the safe disposal of sewage, minimizing environmental pollution.
(iii) Supplies nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to crops, lowering fertilizer costs.
(iv) Improves soil fertility due to organic matter content in sewage.
(v) Supports crop growth in arid and semi-arid areas where water is scarce.
(vi) Provides year-round irrigation supply, especially during dry seasons.
(vii) Reduces wastewater treatment load on municipal treatment plants.

4.6 Oxygen sag curve under the influence of mild, heavy and gross pollution:

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4.7 DILUTION INTO SEA (or) OCEAN:
The saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen in water decreases with increasing
salt content. In seawater, the saturation concentration is approximately 80% of that in
freshwater. The temperature of seawater is lower than the wastewater. Also saltwater is
denser than freshwater. Due to these reasons, the lighter warmer wastewater will rise up to
the surface of the sea forming wastewater slick that creates a thin milky appearance. This
thin milky layer may produce H2S gas by reacting with sulphate rich water of the sea. Most of
these deficiencies can be overcome by keeping in mind the following points:

1. Sewage (or) wastewater should preferably be discharged 1to 1.5kms from the shore.
2. The minimum depth of water at the outfall point should be 3 to 5m.
3. Proper dilution of wastewater into the seawater is ensured by jetting the wastewater
through a multiple point diffuser.
4. The direction & velocity of wind and the direction & velocity of ocean currents
should be carefully studied while deciding the position of outfall sewer.

COMPARISION OF SEAWATER DILUTION & STREAM WATER DILUTION:

S. No. ITEM SEAWATER STREAMWATER

1. Specific gravity High Low
2. Quantity of solids in Large Small
suspension
3. Penetration of sun’s rays Less penetration due to More penetration due to
turbid water. clear water.
4. Dissolved oxygen About 20% less than More D.O.
that of stream water.
5. Maximum sewage load. No limit. Depends on stream
discharge.
6. Suitability Suitability for towns Suitable for towns
situated on seashores. situated on banks of
streams.

4.8 Sodium Hazard: In most normal soils, calcium and magnesium are the principal
cations held by the soil in replaceable or exchangeable form. Sodium tends to replace calcium
and magnesium when continuously applied through irrigation water. An increase of
exchangeable sodium in the soil causes deflocculating of soil particles and promotes
compaction, thereby impairing soil porosity and the water and air relations of plants. The
sodium hazard of irrigation water is commonly expressed either in terms of percent soluble
sodium (PSS) or sodium adsorption ratio (SAR).

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Where the cations are expressed in meq/l
Generally the sodium hazard of soil increases with the increase of PSS or SAR of irrigation
water and exchangeable sodium percentage of the soil. The maximum permissible value of
PSS in irrigation water is 60. Where waters with higher PSS values are used, gypsum should
be added to the soil occasionally for soil amendment. SAR values greater than 18 may
adversely affect the permeability of soils.
Residual Sodium Carbonate: Hazardous effect of sodium is also increased, if the water
contains bicarbonate and carbonate ions in excess of the calcium and magnesium. In such
cases there is a tendency for calcium and magnesium to precipitate as carbonates from the
soil solution and thereby increase in the relative proportion of exchangeable sodium. Values
of residual sodium carbonate (RSC) less than 1.25 mg/l are considered safe and above 2.5
mg/l as unsuitable.

where all ionic concentrations are expressed as mg/l. However, it has been witnessed in some
arid locations that after the micro irrigation and spray irrigation on land, the bicarbonate salt
of Calcium precipitates as its carbonates due to incremental water loss and heating from sun
rays. In sensitive locations as lawns in recreational areas, it may be better to convert the
bicarbonate to chlorides by acidification if needed. The effect of potassium on soil is similar
to that of sodium, but since the concentration of potassium is generally quite small in
irrigation waters, it is often omitted from consideration.

4.9 2-mark Q& A:

1. List sewage disposal methods?
(i) Disposal by land treatment maybe of 3 types namely (I) Sewage farming. (II) Rapid
infiltration. (III) Overland runoff.
(ii) Disposal in Ocean
(iii) Dilution into nearby water body

2. What is meant by sewage sickness?

After continuous application of sewage on a piece of land, the soil pores (or) voids go
on decreasing and a stage comes when the soil gets clogged by the deposition of
sewage solids. At this stage, the free circulation of air through the soil pores will be
prevented, leading to anaerobic conditions with the emanation of foul smelling gases
like H2S, CH4 & CO2. This exhausted condition of the land is called “sewage
sickness”.

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3. What is meant by wastewater slick?
The saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen in water decreases with
increasing salt content. In seawater, the saturation concentration is approximately
80% of that in freshwater. The temperature of seawater is lower than the wastewater.
Also saltwater is denser than freshwater. Due to these reasons, the lighter warmer
wastewater will rise up to the surface of the sea forming wastewater slick that creates
a thin milky appearance. This thin milky layer may produce H2S gas by reacting with
sulphate rich water of the sea. Most of these deficiencies can be overcome by keeping
in mind the following points.
5. Sewage (or) wastewater should preferably be discharged 1 to 1.5kms from the
shore.
6. The minimum depth of water at the outfall point should be 3 to 5m.
7. Proper dilution of wastewater into the seawater is ensured by jetting the
wastewater through a multiple point diffuser.
4. The direction & velocity of wind and the direction & velocity of ocean
currents should be carefully studied while deciding the position of outfall
sewer.

8. What is meant by sewage farming?

When “the fertilizing value of sewage (or) wastewater” is taken advantage of, by
utilizing it for the growth of crops, it is called “sewage farming”. In addition to the
irrigational potential of water content in the sewage, the sewage also contains
“fertilizing elements” like nitrates, sulphates & phosphates along with nutrients like
nitrogen, potassium & phosphorous to add to the fertility of the soil & crops.

9. What is meant by Oxygen sag curve?

The amount of resultant oxygen deficit can be obtained by algebraically adding the
de-oxygenation and re-oxygenation curves. The resultant curve so obtained is called
the oxygen sag curve or the oxygen deficit curve.

10. What is meant by self purification of streams?

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 When sewage is discharged into a natural body of water, the receiving water gets
polluted due to waste products, present in sewage effluent. The natural forces of
purification such as dilution, sedimentation, oxidation – reduction in sun light go on
acting upon the pollution elements and bring back the water into its original condition.
This automatic purification of polluted water, in due coarse is called the self
purification phenomenon.

11. Mention the various zones of self purification of streams?

The self purification divided into four zones.
1. Zone of degradation.
2. Zone of active decomposition.
3. Zone of recovery
4. Zone of Cleaner water
5.
12. What are the factors affecting self purification of streams?
1. Temperature
2. Turbulence
3. Hydrography such as the velocity and surface expanse of the river stream.
4. Available dissolved oxygen and the amount and type of organic matter.
5. Rate of re aeration.

13. Why minimum DO conditions do not prevail near the point where sewage mixes with
stream?
When sewage is diluted with the stream at any point D0, the immediately DO
concentration of the stream would fall quickly due to the oxygen demand of the
micro-organisms present in the sewage as well as readily oxidisable elements like
ammonia utilizing some dissolved oxygen. However the elements of reoxygenation
like wind will quickly disperse and try to put back the oxygen into the stream initially.
It is only when sufficient quantity of sludge gets deposited at the bottom of stream
wherein anaerobic conditions will develop that the DO will become minimum. This
will occur at some distance from the dilution point downstream leading to very septic
conditions. It is at this point where the deoxygenation caused due to micro-organisms
(mainly bacteria) exceeds the natural reoxygenation elements like wind. Hence
minimum DO conditions do not prevail near the point where sewage mixes with
stream.

14. What is meant by streeter phelp’s Equation?

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15. How critical point c is interpreted to indicate the point of minimum DO?
When the deoxygenation exceeds the reaeration potential of the stream, the DO will
fall to a minimum and at this point the DO will be minimum called as critical point c.

16. What are the objectives of sludge treatment?

There are four main sludge treatment objectives: (1) pathogen inactivation, (2)
dewatering, (3) stabilization, and (4) nutrient management.

17. Define sludge? List the methods of sludge disposal?

Sludge is a solid precipitated material obtained during the treatment of effluents
before discharging them into water bodies by the waste water treatment plants. Sludge
is that part of sewage that sinks because its molecular weight is heavier than water. A
muddy deposit (or) slushy mass, deposited or sedimented, such as a precipitated solid
matter produced by water and sewage treatment processes.

15
 Methods of sludge disposal:

18. Differentiate between effluent and sludge?

1. Sludge is a solid precipitated material obtained during the treatment of effluents
before discharging them into water bodies by the waste water treatment plants.
Sludge is that part of sewage that sinks because its molecular weight is heavier
than water.
2. Sewage means wastewater and excrement of all the outlets of kitchen, bathroom,
toilets and other domestic activities (can also be called domestic effluent) and
even industries. Sludge is a mixture of solids and liquids, containing mostly
excreta and water, in combination with sand, grit, metals, trash and/or various
chemical compounds. A distinction can be made between faecal sludge and
wastewater sludge. Faecal sludge comes from onsite sanitation technologies, i.e.,
it has not been transported through a sewer and can be raw or partially digested.
Wastewater sludge is a sludge that originated from sewer based wastewater
collection and centralized or semi-centralized treatment processes.

19. Define the term “Dilution Factor”?

The ratio of the quantity of the diluting water to that of the sewage is known as the
Dilution Factor.

20. What are the conditions adopted for disposal by dilution?

1. When sewage is comparatively fresh (4 hr old) and free from floating and
settable solids.
2. When the dilution water has a high dissolved oxygen (D.O.) content.
3. When the out fall sewer of the city or the treatment plant is situated near some
natural water body having large volume.

21. Write the equation for find out the B.O.D. of the diluted water.
B.O.D. of the diluted mixture
C .Q  CR .QR
C= s s f
Qs  QR
Where
Cs  B.O.D. of sewage
CR  B.O.D. of river
Qs  Sewage discharge
QR  Discharge of the river

4.10 13-mark Q & A

1. What do you understand from oxygen sag curve?
2. Derive the Streeter Phelps equation.
3. Discuss the self purification process of a river
4. Explain the factors affecting self-purification of streams
5. Explain the sewage disposal methods.
6. Explain the land disposal of sewage disposal.
7. Explain sewage farming along with its merits and demerits.
8. Discuss the deep well injection of sewage.
9. Discuss Sodium hazard and how do you rectify it.

16
 10. Explain the zones of decomposition during self-purification of streams.
11. Explain the importance of standards for sewage disposal. Discuss the role of regulatory
guidelines in protecting public health and the environment.
12. Describe the various methods of sewage disposal. Compare their suitability for
different conditions.
13. Discuss the mass balance principle in sewage disposal. Provide a practical example of
its application.
14. Explain the principle of dilution as a method of sewage disposal. Discuss its
advantages and limitations.
15. Discuss the long-term effects of sewage farming on soil properties. How can these
effects be mitigated?
16. Explain the significance of the critical point on the oxygen sag curve. How is it
determined and interpreted?
17. Explain the soil dispersion system used for land disposal of sewage. Describe its
working principle and limitations.

Answers:

11. Explain the importance of standards for sewage disposal. Discuss the role of regulatory
guidelines in protecting public health and the environment.

Importance of Standards for Sewage Disposal: Standards for sewage disposal play a
critical role in safeguarding public health, protecting water bodies, and ensuring sustainable
environmental management. These standards specify acceptable levels of pollutants in treated
wastewater before it is discharged into natural water bodies or used for land applications.
They are established based on scientific studies to minimize the risks of waterborne diseases,
environmental degradation, and ecological imbalance.

Key Reasons for Importance

1. Protection of Public Health

o Untreated or inadequately treated sewage can contain pathogens such as

bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause waterborne diseases like cholera,
dysentery, and typhoid. Standards ensure the removal of harmful
microorganisms, reducing the risk of disease transmission.

2. Prevention of Water Pollution

o Sewage often contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead
to eutrophication in water bodies, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
Standards limit these nutrients, protecting aquatic ecosystems.

3. Preservation of Aquatic Life

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 o Industrial and domestic sewage can contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and
low dissolved oxygen levels, which are harmful to fish and other aquatic
organisms. Standards help maintain water quality to sustain aquatic
biodiversity.

4. Sustainable Use of Resources

o Treated sewage can be reused for irrigation, industrial processes, or

groundwater recharge. Standards ensure that treated water is safe for these
purposes, promoting water conservation and sustainability.

5. Protection of Soil Quality in Land Disposal

o Land application of sewage, such as in sewage farming, can lead to soil

contamination with heavy metals or excessive sodium. Standards regulate
these elements, preventing long-term soil degradation.

6. Compliance with Legal and International Obligations

o Standards ensure compliance with national regulations and international

agreements, fostering better environmental governance and cooperation
between nations.

Role of Regulatory Guidelines

Regulatory guidelines provide a framework for implementing sewage disposal standards.

They outline procedures, permissible pollutant limits, and monitoring requirements, thereby
helping stakeholders comply with legal and environmental obligations.

Key Roles of Regulatory Guidelines

1. Setting Discharge Limits

o Regulatory guidelines define permissible levels of contaminants such as

biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total
suspended solids (TSS), and coliform bacteria in treated effluent.

2. Ensuring Consistency and Uniformity

o They establish uniform practices for sewage treatment and disposal across
different regions, ensuring consistency in water quality management.

3. Promoting Technological Innovation

o By setting stringent standards, guidelines encourage the development and

adoption of advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane bioreactors
and advanced oxidation processes.

4. Monitoring and Enforcement

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 o Guidelines mandate regular monitoring of effluent quality and inspection of
treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with standards. Non-compliance can
result in penalties or operational shutdowns.

5. Supporting Public Awareness and Participation

o Regulatory frameworks often include provisions for public participation and

awareness campaigns to educate communities on the importance of proper
sewage disposal and its impact on health and the environment.

6. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

o Guidelines often require EIAs for large-scale sewage disposal projects to

evaluate potential environmental and health risks and recommend mitigation
measures.

12. Describe the various methods of sewage disposal. Compare their suitability for different
conditions.
Methods of Sewage Disposal

Sewage disposal refers to the process of safely disposing of treated or untreated wastewater to
protect public health and the environment. The primary methods of sewage disposal include
dilution, land application, septic systems, and advanced treatment followed by reuse or
discharge. Each method has distinct applications based on environmental, technical, and
economic factors.

1. Dilution (Discharge into Water Bodies)

 Description: Treated or partially treated sewage is discharged into rivers, lakes, or

oceans where it gets diluted and undergoes natural self-purification.

 Mechanism: The pollutants are biologically degraded over time, provided that the
water body has sufficient assimilative capacity.

 Suitability:

o Large water bodies with high flow rates.

o Areas with low population density and minimal industrial effluents.

o Locations where treatment plants are unavailable or economically infeasible.

 Limitations:

o Risk of water pollution if the water body lacks adequate self-purification

capacity.

o Eutrophication and oxygen depletion in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies.

2. Land Application (Sewage Farming)

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  Description: Treated sewage is used for irrigation in agriculture or landscaping. The
nutrients in the sewage serve as fertilizer, promoting plant growth.

 Types:

o Surface irrigation

o Subsurface (drip) irrigation

 Suitability:

o Areas with arable land and water scarcity.

o Regions with crops that can tolerate wastewater nutrients.

o Suitable for communities with small-scale wastewater treatment plants.

 Limitations:

o Potential soil salinization and sodium hazards.

o Risk of crop contamination with pathogens if sewage is inadequately treated.

3. Septic Systems

 Description: A septic tank, followed by a soak pit or leach field, is used to treat and
dispose of domestic wastewater in rural or low-density areas.

 Mechanism: Solids settle in the tank, while liquid effluent percolates through soil
layers, undergoing natural filtration and biological treatment.

 Suitability:

o Rural areas with low population density and no access to centralized sewer
systems.

o Areas with permeable soils and low groundwater tables.

 Limitations:

o Requires regular maintenance and desludging.

o Unsuitable in areas with high water tables or impermeable soils.

4. Treatment Followed by Discharge or Reuse

 Description: Wastewater undergoes advanced treatment (secondary or tertiary) before

being discharged into water bodies or reused for industrial, agricultural, or domestic
purposes.

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  Examples:

o Effluent reuse in cooling towers, irrigation, or groundwater recharge.

o Discharge of treated water meeting regulatory standards.

 Suitability:

o Urban areas with large-scale treatment plants.

o Regions with strict environmental regulations.

o Communities prioritizing water conservation and reuse.

 Limitations:

o High capital and operational costs.

o Requires skilled personnel for operation and maintenance.

Comparison of Methods Based on Suitability

Method Conditions Advantages Disadvantages

Large water bodies with

Cost-effective; minimal Risk of water pollution;
Dilution high assimilative
land requirement requires natural flow
capacity

Arid/semi-arid regions Promotes water reuse;

Land Soil degradation; potential
with agricultural enriches soil with
Application health risks
demand nutrients

Requires regular
Septic Rural areas with low- Simple and cost-
maintenance; unsuitable
Systems density population effective; decentralized
for high water tables

Urban areas or regions Produces high-quality Expensive; energy-

Advanced
with strict effluent for reuse or intensive; requires skilled
Treatment
environmental laws safe discharge operation

Conclusion

The choice of sewage disposal method depends on factors such as the availability of natural
resources, population density, economic considerations, and environmental regulations.

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While dilution is a low-cost option for areas with abundant water resources, land application
promotes sustainable water use in agricultural settings. Septic systems are ideal for rural
areas, whereas advanced treatment methods are best suited for urban centers with stringent
regulatory requirements. A careful evaluation of local conditions and environmental impacts
is essential for selecting the most appropriate method.

13. Discuss the mass balance principle in sewage disposal. Provide a practical example of its
application.

Mass Balance Principle in Sewage Disposal

The mass balance principle is a fundamental concept used to analyze the flow and
distribution of substances in a system. It is based on the principle of conservation of mass,
which states that mass can neither be created nor destroyed within a system, except through
chemical reactions or by transferring it into or out of the system. In sewage disposal, the mass
balance principle helps determine the fate of pollutants, nutrients, and other substances as
they move through treatment processes or natural water bodies.

Components of Mass Balance

The general mass balance equation for a system is:

Input: Mass entering the system (e.g., sewage inflow).

 Output: Mass leaving the system (e.g., treated effluent, sludge).

 Generation: Mass produced within the system (e.g., biogas in anaerobic digestion).

 Consumption: Mass consumed within the system (e.g., oxygen consumed in

biological processes).

 Accumulation: Change in mass stored within the system over time (e.g., sludge
buildup).

In steady-state conditions, accumulation = 0, and the equation simplifies to:

Application of Mass Balance in Sewage Disposal

The mass balance principle is widely used to design, analyze, and optimize sewage treatment
systems. Below is a practical example:

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Practical Example: Mass Balance in a River Receiving Treated Effluent

Scenario

A river receives treated sewage effluent from a wastewater treatment plant. The goal is to
evaluate the impact of the discharge on the river's dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD).

Inputs to the System

1. BOD from sewage effluent: 30 mg/L, discharge flow rate: 5 m³/s.

2. BOD in river water (upstream): 5 mg/L, river flow rate: 50 m³/s.

3. DO in river water (upstream): 8 mg/L.

4. DO in effluent: 2 mg/L.

Interpretation of Results

 The BOD concentration in the river increased to 7.27 mg/L, which may indicate an
increased oxygen demand due to organic pollutants.

 The DO concentration decreased to 7.45 mg/L, but it remains above the critical level
required to support aquatic life.

This mass balance analysis helps in assessing whether the river can handle the pollutant load
without significant harm to its ecosystem. If the results show critical levels, mitigation
measures such as advanced treatment or flow augmentation may be necessary.

Conclusion: The mass balance principle is a powerful tool for evaluating the impact of
sewage disposal on the environment and designing efficient wastewater treatment systems. It
ensures compliance with environmental standards, optimizes treatment processes, and helps
maintain the ecological health of receiving water bodies.

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14. Explain the principle of dilution as a method of sewage disposal. Discuss its advantages
and limitations.

Principle of Dilution as a Method of Sewage Disposal

Dilution is the process of discharging treated or partially treated sewage into natural water
bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, where it becomes diluted and undergoes natural self-
purification. The principle relies on the water body's assimilative capacity to degrade organic
matter and neutralize pollutants over time through biological, chemical, and physical
processes.

Mechanism of Dilution

1. Mixing: The sewage mixes with the water body, reducing pollutant concentrations.

2. Decomposition of Organic Matter: Microorganisms break down organic pollutants

into simpler, non-harmful substances like carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts.

3. Reaeration: Oxygen is replenished from the atmosphere, maintaining dissolved

oxygen (DO) levels necessary for aquatic life.

4. Sedimentation and Flocculation: Suspended solids settle to the bottom, and

colloidal particles aggregate, aiding in pollutant removal.

The success of dilution depends on factors like the flow rate of the water body, its DO levels,
and the concentration of pollutants in the sewage.

Advantages of Dilution

1. Cost-Effective

o Minimal infrastructure and operational costs compared to advanced treatment

methods.

o Suitable for areas with abundant water resources and low industrial activity.

2. Natural Self-Purification

o The water body itself acts as a natural treatment system, reducing pollutant
loads over time.

3. Simplified Operation

o No need for complex treatment plants or highly skilled personnel.

4. Energy Efficiency

o Unlike mechanical or chemical treatment processes, dilution requires no

external energy input.

5. Provides Assimilative Capacity for Small Communities

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 o Ideal for rural or semi-urban areas with limited sewage treatment facilities.

Limitations of Dilution

1. Dependency on Water Body Capacity

o The assimilative capacity of the water body must be sufficient to handle the
pollutant load. Overloading can lead to oxygen depletion and ecosystem
damage.

2. Risk of Eutrophication

o Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in sewage can cause excessive algae
growth, leading to eutrophication, oxygen depletion, and loss of aquatic life.

3. Pathogen Contamination

o Untreated or poorly treated sewage can introduce pathogens, posing health

risks to humans and animals.

4. Environmental Pollution

o Discharging industrial effluents along with sewage can introduce heavy metals
and toxic chemicals, which persist in the environment and harm aquatic life.

5. Legal and Regulatory Issues

o Many regions have strict regulations on water pollution, and dilution may not
meet the required effluent discharge standards.

6. Unsuitability for Low-Flow Water Bodies

o In small or stagnant water bodies, dilution may not sufficiently reduce

pollutant concentrations, leading to environmental degradation.

Conclusion: Dilution as a sewage disposal method is a cost-effective and energy-efficient

approach in areas with large, fast-flowing water bodies. However, its effectiveness depends
on the water body's capacity to assimilate pollutants without causing harm. Careful
monitoring, regulatory compliance, and supplementary treatment (if needed) are essential to
ensure that dilution remains an environmentally sustainable solution.

15. Discuss the long-term effects of sewage farming on soil properties. How can these effects
be mitigated?

Long-Term Effects of Sewage Farming on Soil Properties

Sewage farming involves the application of treated or partially treated sewage to agricultural
fields as a source of water and nutrients. While it offers benefits like irrigation and nutrient
supply, long-term use can significantly impact soil properties. These effects can be both
beneficial and detrimental, depending on the quality of sewage and management practices.

25
Positive Effects

1. Improved Soil Fertility

o Sewage contains organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that
enhance soil fertility, improving crop yields.

2. Increased Water Retention

o Organic matter in sewage enhances soil structure, increasing its water-holding

capacity and reducing the need for frequent irrigation.

3. Enhanced Microbial Activity

o The organic load in sewage promotes the growth of beneficial soil microbes,
aiding in nutrient cycling.

Negative Effects

1. Salinity and Sodicity Build-Up

o Continuous use of sewage water can lead to the accumulation of salts and
sodium in the soil, resulting in salinity and sodicity, which degrade soil
structure and reduce permeability.

2. Heavy Metal Contamination

o Industrial effluents mixed with sewage may introduce heavy metals like
cadmium, lead, and mercury, which accumulate in the soil, posing risks to
plant health and human safety through food chain contamination.

3. Pathogen Load

o Inadequately treated sewage can harbor pathogens that persist in the soil,
increasing the risk of disease transmission.

4. Compaction and Reduced Aeration

o Excessive organic matter can lead to soil compaction, reducing air and water
movement, which adversely affects root growth and microbial activity.

5. pH Imbalance

o Long-term sewage application may alter soil pH, potentially making it either
too acidic or alkaline, which can affect nutrient availability.

6. Toxic Organic Compounds

o Sewage may contain persistent organic pollutants (e.g., pesticides,

pharmaceuticals), which can accumulate in the soil, impacting soil health and
biodiversity.

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Mitigation Measures

1. Pre-Treatment of Sewage

o Ensure proper treatment to remove heavy metals, pathogens, and toxic

compounds before application to fields.

2. Periodic Soil Testing

o Regularly monitor soil properties, including pH, salinity, heavy metal

concentration, and organic matter content, to detect adverse changes early.

3. Use of Gypsum for Sodicity

o Apply gypsum to soils affected by sodicity to replace excess sodium with

calcium, improving soil structure and permeability.

4. Leaching of Salts

o Periodically irrigate fields with fresh water to leach out accumulated salts and
prevent salinity build-up.

5. Crop Selection

o Grow salt-tolerant or heavy metal-accumulating crops (e.g., sunflowers for

phytoremediation) to mitigate soil salinity and metal toxicity.

6. Rotation with Freshwater Irrigation

o Alternate sewage irrigation with freshwater to dilute contaminant build-up and

restore soil balance.

7. Composting and Stabilization

o Use stabilized sewage sludge (composted or digested) rather than raw sewage
to minimize pathogen risks and improve nutrient availability.

8. Buffer Zones

o Establish buffer zones between sewage-irrigated fields and natural water

bodies to prevent runoff and contamination.

Conclusion: Sewage farming can be a sustainable agricultural practice when properly

managed, offering water and nutrient benefits. However, its long-term use poses risks such as
salinity, heavy metal contamination, and pathogen persistence. By implementing mitigation
measures such as pre-treatment, soil testing, and leaching, these adverse effects can be
minimized, ensuring the sustainable use of sewage in agriculture while protecting soil health
and the environment.

27
16. Explain the significance of the critical point on the oxygen sag curve. How is it
determined and interpreted?

Significance of the Critical Point on the Oxygen Sag Curve

The oxygen sag curve is a graphical representation of the variation in dissolved oxygen (DO)
concentration along a watercourse receiving organic pollutants. It reflects the balance
between deoxygenation (due to microbial breakdown of organic matter) and reaeration
(replenishment of oxygen from the atmosphere).

The critical point on the oxygen sag curve is the location where the DO concentration
reaches its minimum value, often referred to as the critical DO deficit. This point is
significant because it represents:

1. Maximum Stress on Aquatic Life

o At the critical point, DO levels are at their lowest, posing the greatest risk to
aquatic organisms that rely on oxygen for survival.

2. Indicator of Pollution Impact

o It reflects the cumulative impact of organic pollutants and the water body’s
capacity to recover through natural reaeration processes.

3. Basis for Water Quality Assessment

o Understanding the critical point helps in assessing the severity of pollution and
designing strategies for water quality improvement.

How the Critical Point is Determined:

The critical point is typically determined using the Streeter–Phelps equation, which models
the DO sag curve. The equation combines two key processes:

1. Deoxygenation Rate (Kd)

o The rate at which DO is consumed due to microbial decomposition of organic

matter.

2. Reaeration Rate (Kr)

o The rate at which DO is replenished from the atmosphere.

28
The corresponding critical deficit Dc_at time tc gives the minimum DO level.

Practical Applications

1. Pollution Control Strategies

29
 o Identifying the critical point helps prioritize pollution mitigation measures,
such as aeration or reducing pollutant loads upstream.

2. Wastewater Discharge Guidelines

o Determines permissible organic load that can be discharged without causing

unacceptable oxygen depletion.

3. Ecological Restoration

o Aids in planning river restoration projects by understanding how far

downstream oxygen recovery occurs.

4. Monitoring Programs

o Helps establish critical monitoring locations along the river for regular water
quality assessments.

17. Explain the soil dispersion system used for land disposal of sewage. Describe its working
principle and limitations.

Soil Dispersion System for Land Disposal of Sewage

The soil dispersion system is a land disposal method where sewage is applied to soil,
allowing it to undergo natural treatment processes such as filtration, biological
decomposition, and adsorption. This method is widely used in rural and peri-urban areas with
suitable land availability, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for sewage
management.

Working Principle

The soil dispersion system relies on the soil's ability to treat sewage by the following
mechanisms:

1. Filtration

o Suspended solids in the sewage are physically removed as the wastewater

percolates through soil layers, reducing turbidity and pollutant load.

2. Biological Decomposition

o Microorganisms in the soil break down organic matter in the sewage into
simpler, non-harmful compounds like carbon dioxide, water, and minerals.

3. Adsorption

o Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as trace metals, are adsorbed
onto soil particles, preventing their movement into groundwater.

4. Evapotranspiration

30
 o A portion of the sewage water is absorbed by plants and lost through
evapotranspiration, reducing the overall volume of wastewater.

5. Pathogen Reduction

o Pathogens in sewage are reduced through exposure to sunlight, competition

with native soil microorganisms, and filtration.

System Components

1. Infiltration Trenches or Beds

o Shallow trenches or beds filled with gravel or coarse sand where sewage is
dispersed.

2. Distribution Pipes

o Perforated pipes distribute the sewage evenly across the infiltration area.

3. Soil Layers

o Natural or prepared soil layers act as the treatment medium.

4. Vegetative Cover

o Plants growing on the disposal site assist in nutrient uptake and

evapotranspiration.

Steps in Operation

1. Sewage Pre-Treatment

o Primary treatment (e.g., sedimentation) is often performed to remove large

solids and reduce BOD before sewage enters the soil dispersion system.

2. Sewage Distribution

o Sewage is evenly distributed through the perforated pipes into the infiltration
trenches or beds.

3. Percolation and Treatment

o Sewage percolates through the soil, undergoing filtration, adsorption, and

biological treatment.

4. Discharge or Evapotranspiration

o Treated water either percolates further into the groundwater or evaporates

from the soil surface and plant leaves.

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Advantages

1. Cost-Effective

o Requires minimal infrastructure and operational costs compared to advanced

treatment systems.

2. Nutrient Recycling

o Enhances soil fertility by recycling nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus for
plant growth.

3. Eco-Friendly

o Promotes natural wastewater treatment with low energy input.

4. Simple Maintenance

o Requires basic upkeep, such as clearing clogs in the distribution system.

Limitations

1. Soil and Site Dependency

o Requires well-drained, permeable soils; clayey or compacted soils are

unsuitable due to poor percolation.

2. Risk of Groundwater Contamination

o If the system is improperly designed or overloaded, nutrients and pathogens

may leach into groundwater, posing health risks.

3. Limited Capacity

o Suitable only for small to moderate sewage loads; not practical for large urban
centers.

4. Salinity and Sodicity Issues

o Repeated sewage application may lead to salt accumulation, degrading soil

structure and reducing permeability.

5. Pathogen Persistence

o Inadequate soil retention time may fail to completely eliminate pathogens,

posing health risks to nearby communities.

6. Seasonal and Climatic Constraints

o Effectiveness may be reduced during heavy rainfall (saturation) or prolonged

dry periods (reduced microbial activity).

32
 7. Land Requirement

o Requires significant land area, making it impractical in densely populated

regions.

Mitigation Measures

1. Site Selection and Soil Testing

o Choose sites with well-drained, permeable soils and ensure adequate

separation from groundwater to minimize contamination risks.

2. Pre-Treatment of Sewage

o Use primary or secondary treatment to reduce pollutant loads before soil

application.

3. Controlled Loading Rates

o Limit the volume of sewage applied to avoid overloading and ensure sufficient
soil retention time.

4. Periodic Soil Monitoring

o Regularly test soil for nutrient levels, salinity, and pathogen presence to detect
adverse changes early.

5. Vegetative Buffer Zones

o Plant buffer zones around the disposal site to trap runoff and enhance nutrient
uptake.

Conclusion

The soil dispersion system is a simple and sustainable method for land disposal of sewage,
particularly in rural areas. However, its effectiveness depends on proper site selection, design,
and maintenance to avoid issues like groundwater contamination, soil degradation, and public
health risks. Through careful planning and monitoring, the system can serve as a valuable
tool for decentralized wastewater management.

33