Final answer:
Septic tanks are essential components of sewage treatment in rural areas, working to decompose organic matter and purify wastewater. Sewage treatment also involves multi-step processes including primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments to ensure water is free of harmful microorganisms and pollutants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Septic tanks play a role in sewage treatment, especially in rural areas. These systems function by piping wastewater from the house into a septic tank, where sludge settles at the bottom, and microorganisms decompose organic matter anaerobically. The treated water then moves to a drain field, where it undergoes further purification by bacteria in the soil. However, issues such as malfunctions can cause serious water pollution if the system is not suited to the local soil or is poorly maintained.
Comprehensive sewage treatment includes primary treatment to remove solids, secondary treatment for aerobic bacterial decomposition of organics, and tertiary treatment for additional filtration, culminating in disinfection to kill harmful microorganisms. This multistep process is essential for protecting water quality and human health, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms.