Which of the following statements correctly explains why sewage or municipal waste should not be directly discharged into rivers, streams, and other water bodies?

I. Sewage or municipal waste contains human excreta and other organic waste.

II. Sewage or municipal waste contains a variety of pathogenic microbes.

Which statement(s) above is/are correct?

I and II

The correct answer is:

Both statements I and II are correct.

Sewage or municipal waste should not be directly passed into rivers, streams, and other water bodies due to the presence of human excreta and other organic waste (statement I). These organic materials can lead to the depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water, causing harm to aquatic life and disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Additionally, sewage or municipal waste contains various pathogenic microbes (statement II). These microbes can cause waterborne diseases and pose a risk to human health if the contaminated water is consumed or comes into contact with the body.

Therefore, it is crucial to treat sewage or municipal waste properly before it is discharged into water bodies to prevent pollution and safeguard the environment and public health.