What is one primary environmental benefit of effective wastewater treatment?

The primary environmental benefit of effective wastewater treatment is the protection of aquatic ecosystems. When wastewater is treated properly, it removes harmful pollutants and pathogens that could otherwise enter rivers, lakes, and oceans. This protection is crucial for maintaining the health of aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, and plant organisms that rely on clean water for survival.

When untreated or poorly treated wastewater is discharged into water bodies, it can lead to eutrophication, which is the excessive growth of algae due to nutrient overload. This phenomenon can deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating 'dead zones' where aquatic life cannot thrive. Effective wastewater treatment helps prevent these harmful effects, ensuring that water bodies remain viable habitats for wildlife and contributing to biodiversity.

In stark contrast, while increased industrial production, improved air quality, and reduction of agricultural runoff may have their own benefits, they do not directly address the immediate necessity of protecting aquatic ecosystems from the harmful impact of untreated wastewater. Hence, protecting these ecosystems stands out as a fundamental environmental advantage of effective wastewater treatment.