What is the term for any kind of liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution?

The term that describes any kind of liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution is sewage. Sewage typically refers to wastewater that has been produced from various sources, including household activities, industrial processes, and agricultural operations. This includes water from toilets, sinks, showers, and similar sources that have biological content or organic material mixed in with the water.

Sewage is specifically characterized by its inclusion of organic materials, making it distinct from other types of wastewater that may not necessarily contain such materials, or may primarily consist of non-organic substances. Understanding the definition and components of sewage is crucial in plumbing and wastewater management, as it impacts how liquid waste must be treated before it enters the environment. This impacts regulations, treatment processes, and public health considerations.

In contrast, effluent generally refers to treated or untreated discharge flowing out of a treatment plant, and it may not always contain the organic matter that characterizes sewage. Wastewater encompasses all types of used water, and sludge refers to the solid by-products generated from the treatment of sewage, not the liquid waste itself. Thus, sewage accurately captures the concept of liquid waste rich in animal and vegetable matter.