Which of the following are the characteristics of wastewater?

All of the above

The correct answer is option 4. All of the above.

All of the above options (rancid taste, offensive smell, and dirty look) are characteristics of wastewater.

Wastewater, also known as sewage, is the used water that is discharged from homes, businesses, and industries. It contains various contaminants and pollutants, making it unsuitable for most purposes without proper treatment. Here's how these characteristics manifest:

Rancid taste: Due to the presence of organic matter and the decomposition process, wastewater often has an unpleasant, stale, or even putrid taste.

Offensive smell: Similar to the taste, wastewater often has a strong and unpleasant odor caused by the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, releasing gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane.

Dirty look: Wastewater typically has a cloudy or murky appearance due to the presence of suspended solids, including organic matter, dirt, and other debris.

It's important to note that these characteristics can vary depending on the source and composition of the wastewater. However, they are generally indicative of its contaminated and unsuitable nature.