Treated Sewage Effluents as a Source of Microbiological Contamination on Receiving Watersheds

Abstract

The treatment of wastewater treatment is imperative for maintaining community health. Without efficient and sustainable treatments, the spread of waterborne contaminants and pathogens will increase resulting in the transmission of water-borne diseases as well as the degradation of receiving water bodies. Pollutants in wastewater can be divided into two main areas: biological such as microorganisms and chemical such as nutrients, heavy metals, detergents, pesticides and hydrocarbons. The majority of disease-causing waterborne microorganisms originate from animal and human faecal wastes which contain a variety of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. These microorganisms may inevitably be washed into surrounding surface water sources into which the treated effluent is discharged. This paper aims at reviewing the different sources of wastewater together with common microbial contaminants found within improperly treated effluents. In addition, the impact of improperly treated wastewater together with the use of current guidelines is discussed.