What is Sewage Contamination

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In wastewater, a myriad of microorganisms, including pathogens, can proliferate, posing significant health risks. Various factors, such as plumbing issues like clogged pipes or sewer backups, contribute to wastewater contamination. Inadequate cleaning and disinfection post-contamination may leave behind residues that serve as breeding grounds for disease-causing microorganisms. Visual inspection alone proves insufficient, necessitating thorough microbial sampling post-cleanup efforts. Household wastewater comprises toilet waste, used water from sinks, baths, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and other disposed items.

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Understanding the Importance of Testing and Health Impacts

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Community wastewater may harbor disease-causing pathogens shed by hospital patients or individuals with undisclosed illnesses. Even asymptomatic carriers pose risks. Exposure to sewage heightens the likelihood of contracting gastrointestinal illnesses and related ailments, including Covid-19. Sewage contamination not only increases the risk of direct transmission but also facilitates indirect spread through air, water, and food.

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The Testing Procedure

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Sewage contamination testing typically targets indicator organisms, such as E. coli and Enterococci, prevalent in the lower intestines of warm-blooded animals. Testing methods include ATP surface swab samples or viable (cultured) swab samples, supplemented by visual inspections to detect visible bacterial contamination in affected areas.