Which of the following is a consequence of ineffective wastewater treatment?

Ineffective wastewater treatment directly leads to higher levels of waterborne diseases. When wastewater is not treated properly, harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses can proliferate and be discharged into water bodies. This contamination poses serious health risks to humans and animals, particularly for those who come into contact with or consume the affected water. Waterborne diseases can include gastroenteritis, cholera, and other serious infections, which can spread rapidly in communities that rely on contaminated water sources.

In contrast, improved biodiversity in aquatic habitats, enhanced recreational water quality, and increased oxygen levels in water bodies typically result from effective wastewater treatment. Proper treatment processes remove pollutants and harmful organisms, promoting a healthier ecosystem, cleaner water for recreational activities, and facilitating oxygen production by aquatic plants and organisms.