Chemical, biological, and physical aspects of a small stream highly polluted by sewage over a long period of time

Abstract

The average individual is well aware of the need for ample supplies of water for domestic consumption and industrial use, for transportation, power, irrigation, and for recreation. Few, however, realize the scarcity and the value of this most versatile of a nation’s resources. The false impression of abundance that has long existed, created a certain sense of values which permitted misuse and abuse of the nation's supply of water. Increasing population and vast industrial growth leave created conditions that citizens can no longer ignore. In recent years considerable public opinion has been directed to the undesirable effects of extensive domestic and industrial pollution of the nation's waters. New legislation designed to control the uses of the country's waters and the abatement of pollution have been initiated and other programs arc proposed from time to time as public support increases. This thesis was designed to add to that fund of data upon which intelligent programs must necessarily be based. It presents some of the chemical, biological and physical aspects of a small, highly polluted stream, and an attempt was made to correlate the collected data sith the available information on the subjects involved.