About Absorption of Organic Materials in Waste Water

Organic materials contain carbon. When organic materials are added to waste water, they are absorbed. Most waste water is recycled by a water treatment plant, but some organic matter remains in the water we reuse.

History

• Pouring antifreeze down the drain may add toxins to our drinking water.

  In 1986, Congress enacted the Safe Drinking Act, which monitors the types and levels of organic materials in our drinking water. Because wastewater often mixes with the sources of our drinking water, we end up with trace amounts of prescription medications, toxic chemicals and other organic matter in our drinking water.

Misconceptions

• Much of the organic matter in our wastewater is naturally occurring.

  Organic matter is not necessarily toxic. Organic matter is simply any compound or element that contains carbon. When natural organic matter in soil is absorbed by wastewater, it does not have a negative effect on our water stores. The negative cause of toxins in our water sources are often caused by dumping, improperly disposing of chemicals and toxins and pollution.

Benefits

• There are positive aspects to organic matter dissolved in water. Most of the organic matter comes from dead and decaying organisms, which is not harmful to the water. Some organisms can use the organic matter for energy. In bogs and swamps, where the inhabitants rely on murky water to hide for safety, it is the high concentration of organic matter that gives the brownish tint to the water.