NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 13 Wastewater Story

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 7TH

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Book : Science Ncert Solutions | Chapter-18 Science

Class : 7th
Subject : Science
Chapter : 18
Chapter Name : Wastewater Story

Q1 Fill in the blanks:
(a) Cleaning of water is a process of removing ____________.
(b) Wastewater released by houses is called ____________.
(c) Dried ____________ is used as manure.
(d) Drains get blocked by ____________ and ____________.

Answer. (a) Cleaning of water is a process of removing pollutants.
(b) Wastewater released by houses is called sewage.
(c) Dried sludge is used as manure.
(d) Drains get blocked by Cooking oil and Fats.

Q2 What is sewage? Explain why it is harmful to discharge untreated sewage into rivers or
seas.

Answer. Sewage is the wastewater containing both liquid and solid wastes produced by human
activities from homes, industries, hospitals, of ces, etc.
Sewage contains various contaminants including disease-causing bacteria and other microbes.
If untreated sewage is discharged into rivers or seas, then the water in the rivers or seas would
also get contaminated. If this contaminated water is used for drinking, then it can cause
diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, etc. which may lead to death. That is why it is
harmful to discharge untreated sewage into rivers or seas.

Q3 Why should oils and fats be not released in the drain? Explain.

Answer. Oils and fats harden and block the sewage pipes. In an open drain also, fats block
porosity of soil which affects its water ltering ef ciency. That is why oils and fats should not
be released in the drain.

Q4 Describe the steps involved in getting clari ed water from wastewater.

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Book : Science Ncert Solutions | Chapter-18 Science

Answer. The steps involved in getting clari ed water from wastewater are as follows:
(i)Use an aerator to bubble air through the wastewater. A mechanical stirrer or a mixer can
also be used in place of the aerator. This helps in reducing bad odour of the wastewater.
(ii)Then, the water is ltered through the layers of sand, ne gravel, and medium gravel.
Filtration makes the wastewater clean from various types of pollutants. The water is ltered
continuously until it becomes clear.
(iii)Then any disinfectant such as chlorine tablet is added to the ltrate and stirred to obtain
completely clear water.

Q5 What is sludge? Explain how it is treated.

Answer. Semi-solids such as faeces that settle down during wastewater treatment are called
sludge. This sludge is removed using a scraper and then transferred to a tank where it is
decomposed by anaerobic bacteria to produce biogas. This biogas is used as a low-cost fuel for
heating, cooking, etc. It is also used to produce electricity.

Q6 Untreated human excreta is a health hazard. Explain.

Answer. Untreated human excretions are a health hazard. It causes pollution of soil and water
including the underground water. Thus, it contaminates the sources of water from which
people collect water for drinking and household purposes. When this contaminated water is
used for drinking, it can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, dysentery, etc.,
which may even lead to death.

Q7 Name two chemicals used to disinfect water.

Answer. Two chemicals used to disinfect water are chlorine and ozone.

Q8 Explain the function of bar screens in a wastewater treatment plant.

Answer.

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Book : Science Ncert Solutions | Chapter-18 Science

Bar screen
In a wastewater treatment plant, bar screen removes large solid objects from water. The
wastewater is allowed to pass through bar screen so that large solid objects such as rags,
napkins, sticks, cans, plastic bags, polythene, etc. present in wastewater can be removed.

Q9 Explain the relationship between sanitation and disease.

Answer. Sanitation and disease are related to each other as lack of sanitation can cause
diseases. In our country, a large number of people even today do not have sewerage facilities
and thus defecate in open elds, railway tracks, etc. The untreated human excreta thus pollute
soil and water sources including the underground water. When this contaminated water is
used for drinking, it can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, dysentery, etc.
which may even lead to death. Therefore, lack of sanitation resulting in drinking of
contaminated water can cause
health problems.

Q10 Outline your role as an active citizen in relation to sanitation.

Answer. A citizen has many responsibilities regarding sanitation. Among other things, an
active citizen should do the following with regard to maintaining proper sanitation:
(i) Ensure that his surroundings (both inside and outside home) are clean
(ii) Ensure that the sewerage system in his house is properly managed
(iii) If he notices some leakage or other problem in the sewerage system, he should report it to
the municipality.

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Book : Science Ncert Solutions | Chapter-18 Science

Q11 Here is a crossword puzzle: Good luck!

Across
3. Liquid waste products
4. Solid waste extracted in sewage treatment
6. A word related to hygiene
8. Waste matter discharged from human body
Down
I. Used water
2. A pipe carrying sewage
5. Micro-organism which causes cholera
7. A chemical to disinfect water

Answer.

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Book : Science Ncert Solutions | Chapter-18 Science

Q12 Study the following statements about ozone:
(a) It is essential for breathing of living organisms.
(b) It is used to disinfect water.
(c) It absorbs ultraviolet rays.
(d) Its proportion in air is about 3%.
Which of these statements are correct?
(i) (a), (b) and (c)
(ii) (b) and (c)
(iii) (a) and (d)
(iv) All four

Answer: (ii) (b) and (c)

Page : 229 , Block Name : Exercise

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