Sewage sickness relates to

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

ESE Civil 2016 Paper 2: Official Paper

Toxicity of sewage interfering with the response to treatment
Destruction of aquatic flora and fauna due to gross pollution of receiving bodies of water by sewage
Reduction in the waste purifying capacity of the soil
Clogging of pores in soil due to excessive application of sewage to land, obstructing aeration and leading to septic conditions

Answer 1

Explanation:

Sewage sickness:

When sewage is applied continuously on a piece of land, the soil pores or voids may get filled up and clogged with sewage matter retained in them. This phenomenon of soil getting clogged is known as sewage sickness of the land.
Free circulation of air will be prevented, and the anaerobic condition will develop within the pores.
The anaerobic condition would stop the aerobic processes and release foul gases like hydrogen sulphides, carbon dioxide, and methane.

The following preventive measures may be adopted to avoid sewage sickness:

(i) Sewage should be given primary treatment.

(ii) The soil chosen for effluent irrigation/sewage farming should be sandy or loamy.

(iii) A proper under drainage system (open jointed drains) should be designed.

(iv) Land should be given rest for some time and plowed thoroughly

(v) Rotation of crops to be followed.

(vi) Shallow depths of water should be applied.