ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER: ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED

Domestic wastewater is a major source of environmental pollution, especially in densely populated urban and rural areas. Without proper treatment, domestic wastewater can have numerous negative effects on the natural environment, water quality, and human health. Let’s explore in detail the impacts that domestic wastewater can cause.

I. Impact on Water Quality

Domestic wastewater contains various pollutants such as organic matter, detergents, oils, bacteria, viruses, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These components severely affect water quality:

1. Organic Pollution (High BOD and COD Levels):

   • Organic matter in wastewater increases Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), leading to oxygen depletion in water bodies.
   • Oxygen depletion can result in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, reducing biodiversity.

2. Nutrient Pollution (Nitrogen and Phosphorus):

   • Domestic wastewater is rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, contributing to eutrophication in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
   • Eutrophication causes algae to bloom excessively, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis of underwater plants, leading to oxygen depletion and mass die-off of aquatic life.

3. Microbial Contamination:

   • Domestic wastewater often contains harmful bacteria and viruses such as E.coli and Salmonella, posing a high risk of gastrointestinal infections and other infectious diseases when humans come into direct or indirect contact with contaminated water.

II. Impact on Soil and Soil Ecosystems

When untreated domestic wastewater infiltrates the soil, it can cause several negative impacts on soil ecosystems:

• Soil Contamination: Organic matter and chemicals in wastewater can lead to soil salinization, degrading soil quality and affecting plant growth.
• Degradation of Soil Microorganisms: Detergents and toxic substances in wastewater can kill beneficial soil microorganisms, reducing soil fertility and its ability to regenerate.

III. Impact on Air Quality and Odor Pollution

Untreated domestic wastewater often produces foul odors, affecting air quality and public health:

• Release of Toxic Gases: Organic matter decomposes anaerobically in wastewater, producing toxic gases like H₂S (hydrogen sulfide), CH₄ (methane), and NH₃ (ammonia), which can cause suffocation and respiratory irritation.
• Health Impact: Prolonged exposure to these gases can lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and may increase the risk of chronic respiratory diseases.

IV. Impact on Public Health

Untreated domestic wastewater can have a direct impact on human health through various pathways:

• Contamination of Drinking Water Sources: When domestic wastewater infiltrates groundwater or surface water without treatment, it contaminates drinking water sources, increasing the risk of diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis, and other gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Direct Contact with Contaminated Water: People who come into direct contact with untreated wastewater are at risk of skin infections, parasitic diseases, and other health issues.

V. Solutions to Mitigate the Impact of Domestic Wastewater

To reduce the negative effects of domestic wastewater on the environment, the following solutions should be implemented:

1. Construct Effective Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems:

   • Utilize advanced technologies such as AO, AAO, MBR, MBBR, and SBR to effectively treat pollutants.
   • Design systems tailored to the scale and characteristics of each residential area.

2. Raise Community Awareness on Environmental Protection:

   • Encourage the public to conserve water and limit the use of harmful detergents.
   • Increase education on the importance of treating domestic wastewater properly.

3. Manage and Monitor Wastewater Discharges:

   • The government should enforce strict regulations and standards for domestic wastewater treatment.
   • Conduct regular inspections to ensure that wastewater treatment facilities comply with discharge standards.

VI. Wastewater Treatment Services at VIET WATER JSC

Viet Water JSC specializes in providing modern domestic wastewater treatment solutions, committed to meeting environmental protection standards and ensuring public health.

• Address: 345 Pham Van Bach, Ward 15, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Manufacturing Plant: Thanh Xuan 52 Street, Thanh Xuan Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
• Tax Code: 0312931928
• Phone: 028.6272.4888 - 0904.506.065
• Email: info@vietwaterjsc.com – manager@vietwaterjsc.com

With a professional team of engineers and cutting-edge technology, Viet Water JSC offers optimal and sustainable solutions for issues related to domestic wastewater treatment, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Contact us today for the best advice and support regarding domestic wastewater treatment services.