Define 'influent' and 'effluent' in wastewater treatment terminology.

Influent and effluent are fundamental terms in wastewater treatment. Influent refers to the wastewater that enters a treatment facility. This is the raw sewage or wastewater that has not yet been subjected to any treatment processes. It contains a variety of contaminants and pollutants that need to be removed to protect the environment and public health.

Effluent, on the other hand, is the treated water that is discharged from the treatment facility after the influent has undergone various processes to remove or reduce pollutants. The goal of treatment is to make the effluent safe for discharge into the environment, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, or for reuse in various applications.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in the field of wastewater management, as it highlights the progression from untreated to treated water and emphasizes the importance of effective treatment processes to safeguard water quality and public health.