Which waste characteristics should be considered when determining the acceptability of an industrial waste discharge to a sewer?

When determining the acceptability of an industrial waste discharge to a sewer, the characteristics such as concentration, odor, pH, temperature, and toxicity are crucially important.

Concentration is vital since it indicates how much of a particular substance is present in the waste, which directly impacts its potential effect on the sewer system and treatment processes. Odor can signify the presence of harmful substances and can affect the environment and the health of workers and the community. pH is essential because extreme values can corrode pipes or interfere with biological processes at wastewater treatment facilities. Temperature can also affect the treatment processes, as high temperatures may inhibit microbial activity that is necessary for breaking down organic materials. Lastly, toxicity indicates the harmful effects a waste may have on human health and aquatic life, determining its compatibility with existing wastewater treatment processes.

Considering these characteristics helps ensure that industrial discharges do not pose risks to the sewer system, treatment facilities, or receiving waters. In contrast, aspects like color, composition, density, weight, and source, while they can contribute valuable information about waste, do not directly address the immediate impacts on sewer functionality and treatment effectiveness as the selected characteristics do.