What are the potential environmental impacts of improperly treated wastewater?

The potential environmental impacts of improperly treated wastewater primarily include water pollution. When wastewater is not treated adequately before being released into bodies of water, it can carry harmful contaminants such as pathogens, heavy metals, nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and toxic chemicals. These substances can degrade water quality, harm aquatic ecosystems, and pose significant risks to human health through contaminated drinking water sources and recreational water activities.

Water pollution resulting from untreated or poorly treated wastewater can lead to the eutrophication of lakes and rivers, where excess nutrients stimulate algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic life, and produce toxins that affect both wildlife and humans. Moreover, polluted waterways can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, leading to declines in fish populations and loss of biodiversity.

While soil erosion and air contamination can be environmental concerns, they are not direct consequences of improperly treated wastewater. Increased biodiversity is generally not a result of water pollution; rather, it is typically a sign of a healthy ecosystem, which is compromised by the effects of contaminated water.