What is sludge? Explain how it is treate | Class 7 Science Chapter Wastewater Story, Wastewater Story NCERT Solutions

Previous / historical NCERT chapter

This chapter belongs to a previous NCERT/CBSE curriculum and is not part of the current 2026-27 chapter list. Removed in 2026-27.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science - Chapter Wastewater Story. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 5:

What is sludge? Explain how it is treated.

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 5:

What is sludge? Explain how it is treated.

Answer:

The waste water (or sewage) is then passed into a sedimentation tank and allowed to stand there for a while. Most of the solid organic matter settles down on the slopping bottom of the sedimentation tank in the form of a sludge. Thus, the solid part of sewage is called sludge.

The sludge is taken out from the bottom of first sedimentation tank and put into a large, closed tank called digester tank. In the digester tank, many types of anaerobic bacteria decompose the organic matter present in sludge to produce biogas (also called sewage gas). The anaerobic bacteria do not need oxygen of air to carry out the process of decomposition. That is why the digester tank is a closed tank. The biogas produced here can be used as a fuel directly or it can be used to generate electricity. The digested sludge left after the removal of biogas is taken out, dried and used as a manure. The wastewater treatment gives us two useful products: biogas and sludge. The biogas is used as a fuel whereas sludge (or rather ‘digested sludge’) is used as a manure. The use of dried sludge as a manure returns the nutrients to the soil.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Wastewater Story.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 5: What is sludge? Explain how it is treated.....

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