Sewage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sewage
[ˈsuːɪdʒ ]
Definition
waste management
Sewage refers to the wastewater and excrement that is disposed of through sewage systems. It typically comprises a mixture of household, industrial, and agricultural waste. Proper management of sewage is crucial for public health and environmental protection.
Synonyms
effluent, excrement, wastewater.
Examples of usage
- The sewage system in the city needs urgent repairs.
- Improper disposal of sewage can contaminate drinking water.
- The treatment plant is designed to handle large volumes of sewage.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'sewage' comes from the Old French word 'sewer', which meant to drain or carry away.
- Ancient civilizations like the Romans had complex systems for carrying away waste, showing the importance of sanitation even then.
- In the 19th century, cities began to realize the health risks associated with poor sewage systems, leading to modern sanitation practices.
Environmental Impact
- Untreated sewage can cause severe water pollution, harming aquatic life and making water unsafe for human use.
- Advanced treatment methods can turn sewage into clean water, showcasing the potential for recycling waste.
- Sewage treatment plants not only clean water but also produce biogas, a renewable energy source.
Public Health
- Proper sewage systems are vital for preventing diseases like cholera and typhoid, which thrive in unsanitary conditions.
- Many outbreaks of illness historically traced back to contaminated water highlight the need for effective waste management.
- Urban areas often invest significantly in sewage infrastructure to protect public health and ensure cleanliness.
Science and Technology
- Innovative technologies, such as aerobic digestion and microbial fuel cells, are being developed to treat sewage more effectively.
- Scientists study sewage to track disease outbreaks and understand community health trends through wastewater analysis.
- Artificial intelligence is being used in modern sewage systems to optimize treatment processes and reduce human error.
Cultural References
- Sewage has been depicted in literature and films, often symbolizing decay or the darker sides of human civilization.
- In art, the portrayal of sewage scenes can critique social conditions or highlight environmental issues.
- Urban legends sometimes feature sewage systems as mysterious places, capturing the imagination about what lies beneath the streets.
Origin of 'sewage'
The word 'sewage' originates from the Old French term 'sewiage', which itself is derived from 'sewer'. The term emerged in the Middle Ages when the establishment of rudimentary drainage systems became necessary for public health. The evolution of sewage systems reflects the growth of urban areas and the need to manage human waste effectively. In the 19th century, the necessity for proper sewage treatment became more apparent, leading to significant advances in sanitation engineering and public health policies. The modern understanding of sewage encompasses not only the byproducts of human activity but also the methods and systems developed to treat and manage these wastes, showcasing a critical aspect of urban infrastructure and health.