The contribution of domestic sources to levels of key organic and inorganic pollutants in sewage: the case of Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

For the purposes of regulating discharges by industry to Melbourne's sewer network, information was needed on the concentrations of key pollutants in sewage from purely domestic sources. Sampling sites around Melbourne were identified where sewage free of trade waste contributions could be obtained. The sites chosen spanned a range of geographical areas and residential area types. Samples from these sites were analysed for a wide range of components. Similar analyses were conducted on samples from domestic water supplies. The consolidated results of these analyses are presented. The results show that the water supply contributes substantially to levels of many pollutants in domestic sewage. Comparisons with data for sewage plant influents show higher than expected inputs, from domestic sources, of many pollutants often regarded as having a mainly industrial origin.