Sanitation refers to public health conditions that involve clean drinking water and the proper handling and disposal of human waste and sewage. Keeping people away from feces and washing hands with soap are important parts of sanitation. Sanitation systems help protect health by creating clean environments that stop the spread of diseases, especially those passed through contact with feces and then touching the mouth.
Open defecation is the act of using the outdoors, such as fields, bushes, forests, or streets, instead of a toilet to eliminate waste. People may do this because they lack access to a toilet or follow old traditions. This practice is common in areas without proper sanitation systems.
Ecological sanitation, often shortened to ecosan (also spelled eco-san or EcoSan), is also called circular sanitation because it uses ideas from the circular economy. This method focuses on safely reusing human waste in farming. It is not a specific tool or machine but a way of thinking that seeks to “close the loop” by safely returning nutrients and organic material from waste to the soil.
Decentralized wastewater systems, also called decentralized wastewater treatment systems, collect, treat, and reuse or dispose of wastewater from small or spread-out communities, buildings, and homes in remote areas or on individual public or private properties. Wastewater is created when buildings have access to a water supply or when water is available nearby. These systems treat, reuse, or dispose of wastewater close to where it was created.
A constructed wetland is a man-made wetland used to treat wastewater, such as sewage, greywater, stormwater runoff, or industrial wastewater. It may also be created to restore land after mining or to replace natural areas lost due to development. Constructed wetlands are man-made systems that use plants, soil, and living organisms to help clean wastewater.
A constructed wetland is a man-made wetland used to clean wastewater, including sewage, greywater, stormwater runoff, or industrial waste. It may also help restore land after mining or reduce harm to natural areas affected by development. These wetlands are designed systems that use plants, soil, and living organisms to treat wastewater.
Water reclamation is the process of turning wastewater from cities, farms, or industries into water that can be used again for different purposes. It is also called wastewater reuse, water reuse, or water recycling. Water can be reused in cities, for farming, or to help the environment.
Anammox is a method used to clean wastewater by removing nitrogen. This process uses bacteria called anammox bacteria. These bacteria do not need organic carbon to survive.
Wastewater treatment is a process that removes pollutants from wastewater. The cleaned water, released into natural water sources, does not harm the environment. Domestic wastewater, also known as municipal wastewater or sewage, is treated at sewage treatment plants.
Drug disposal is the act of throwing away medicines. People often get rid of medicines they no longer need after finishing their treatment. Hospitals and clinics also throw away medicines in larger amounts for many reasons, such as having leftover medicines after treating patients or getting rid of medicines that have passed their expiration date.