What are typical pollutants found in a collection system?

The typical pollutants found in a collection system primarily include BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, heavy metals, and pathogens. These pollutants are significant because they originate from a variety of sources, such as sewage, industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff.

BOD is an important parameter as it measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter, indicating the organic pollution levels in the water. Nutrients can lead to problems like eutrophication, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and endanger aquatic life. Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, can be detrimental to both human health and the environment, accumulating in the food chain. Pathogens present a direct health risk, as they can contaminate water supplies and cause diseases.

The other options include pollutants that are relevant in certain contexts but are not typically associated with a collection system in the same manner. For example, while ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide are important atmospheric pollutants, they are not typically found in wastewater collection systems. Similarly, while petroleum products and plastics can pose environmental concerns, they are not as commonly monitored or treated in wastewater collection compared to BOD, nutrients, heavy metals, and pathogens