Septic Systems Pollution Information

A septic system consists of a septic tank where water-based domestic waste gets processed, a septic drain field that removes impurities from the post-processed liquid coming out of the septic tank, and the piping that transports waste water from the kitchen, bathroom and other water outlets in a home-based setup. Trouble with any of these components gives rise to unwanted waste disposal situations with the other units.

Pollution Caused by Chemical Wastes

• Sulfate wastes in a malfunctioning septic system can get converted into hydrogen sulfide under anaerobic conditions, resulting in unwanted health risks, apart from the unpleasant odor that it produces. Improper septic tank operation also releases methane gas that is not only inflammable, but when combined with carbon dioxide, it contributes to global warming. Compounds such as nitrates get converted into ammonia in the system, and leaks can cause serious damage to groundwater resources.

Fermentation in Septic Tanks

• Fermentation in the tank happens under anaerobic conditions and, therefore, keeps contents such as phosphates at a low redox (reduction / oxidation) level. Phosphates have a limiting influence on plant growth and can alter the nearby ecosystem by increasing fungal growth as well as microbes such as cyanobacteria. In the event that a septic drain field unit is close to a water system, the coarser soil may not have the capacity to control the abruption, or sudden breaking off, of phosphates into deeper layers where they may mix with the water system.

Consequences of Fermentation

• Fermentation in the tank ultimately results in very bad effects as the excessive mineralization of the water can kill the aquatic life thriving in it. The problem becomes more intense in areas with high population density. The already growing groundwater pollution level in such areas, combined with a faulty septic system, will necessitate the construction of a more expensive water treatment facility for that town. For a small town, this might prove to be a costly affair.

Problems with Trees around Septic Tanks

• Trees in the vicinity and especially near septic tanks can cause problems with old and aging tanks. The roots may puncture in the tank, causing leakages. Moreover, such trees tend to grow vigorously with the aid of septic nutrients and dig deeper into the tank, making the septic system defunct. Thus pollution caused by septic systems has far-reaching implications on the environment, which ultimately come around to affect us.

Prevention of Pollution from Septic Systems

• In order to avoid pollution, various septic system measures should be taken. You should avoid excessive dumping of cooking oils and grease into drains, flushing cigarette butts, sanitary napkins and cotton buds, and using garbage disposers for waste food disposal and even chemical solvents like pesticides, bleach, lye, etc. Apart from this, care should be taken to ensure that plant growth is kept away from the septic system so as to prevent any leakage disaster from taking place.