Impact of Sewage Treatment Plant Effluent on Lakes: An Overview

Abstract

The paper discusses a literature survey of the Impact of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) effluents on surface water bodies in the special context of lakes and ponds. The sewage effluent even after conventional treatment has residual pollutants such as Organic Matter, Heavy Metals, Nutrients, and Emerging Contaminants such as Nanomaterial, PPCPs, EDCs, Microplastics, etc., which can have various negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. These pollutants can cause Eutrophication, Oxygen depletion, and toxicity in waterbodies posing a significant threat to the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. Further, they can harm biodiversity, induce population and behavioral shifts, cause Endocrine disruption, disrupt the food chain, and elevate the risk of antibiotic resistance, hence affecting aquatic Flora, Fauna, Wildlife, Birds, plankton, microbial communities, and Humans. The study aims to provide insights into strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of STP effluents. Upgrading treatment technologies such as implementing nutrient removal strategies, utilizing land applications, implementing monitoring programs, and engaging stakeholders are some of the effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of STP effluent.