Organic Matter:
Vegetable Plants, animals and human beings are the sources for origination of natural or synthetic organic compounds. Human excreta, paper products, detergents, cosmetics, food, agricultural products, wastes from commercial activities and wastes from industrial sources are organic in origin and considerable in quantity.
Organic compounds generated from the above sources are a combination of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and other trace elements. Organic compounds such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are degradable by organisms, however they can cause pollution.
Large concentration of degradable organics in wastewater is dangerous to lakes, streams, and oceans, because organisms consume dissolved oxygen in water to break down the wastes. This can reduce or deplete the supply of oxygen in the water needed by aquatic life, resulting in fish kills, increasing the odors, and overall deterioration of water quality.
Some organic compounds are more stable than others and cannot be quickly broken down by organisms. This poses an additional challenge for treatment. This is true with many synthetic organic compounds developed for agriculture and industry. Some of the synthetic organic compounds that belong to pesticides, herbicides, dyes, pigments, fried oils, and fried meats are toxic to humans, fish, and aquatic plants and often are disposed off improperly in drains or carried in storm-water. In receiving water bodies, they kill or contaminate fish, making them unfit to eat. They also can reduce the efficiency of the processes in treatment.
Gases:
What are the sources for gases in wastewater? Certain gases in wastewater can cause odors, affect treatment, so are potentially dangerous. Methane gas, for example, is a byproduct of anaerobic biological treatment and is highly combustible. Special precautions need to be taken near septic tanks, manholes, treatment plants, and other areas where wastewater gases can collect.
The gases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia can be toxic and pose asphyxiation hazards. Also, ammonia as a dissolved gas in wastewater is dangerous to fish. Both gases emit odors, which can be a serious nuisance. Unless effectively controlled or minimized by design and location, wastewater odors can affect the mental wellbeing and quality of life of residents. In some cases, odors can even lower property values and affect the local economy.
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