Environmental health: disposal of septic tank effluent: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Environmental health: disposal of septic tank effluent

Sample item

In a household using a septic tank, where should the effluent of the tank be led for final disposal?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Soakage pit or dispersion trench

A septic tank only digests solids anaerobically, and its effluent still contains pathogens and organic matter. It must be led to a soakage pit or dispersion trench where soil filters it. Open drains or ponds create health hazards.

Option by option

  • A. Recharge pit of the drinking-water bore well

    Leading effluent to a drinking-water source would contaminate the supply.

  • B. Soakage pit or dispersion trench (correct)

    Correct. Soil percolation in a soakage pit or trench completes treatment.

  • C. Open roadside drain

    An open drain exposes the community to untreated effluent.

  • D. Village pond

    Discharge into a pond contaminates a water body used by people and animals.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is B, Soakage pit or dispersion trench. A septic tank only digests solids anaerobically, and its effluent still contains pathogens and organic matter.

Why is "Recharge pit of the drinking-water bore well" not the answer?

Leading effluent to a drinking-water source would contaminate the supply.

Why is "Open roadside drain" not the answer?

An open drain exposes the community to untreated effluent.

Why is "Village pond" not the answer?

Discharge into a pond contaminates a water body used by people and animals.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Environmental health: disposal of septic tank effluent in PSM. It must be led to a soakage pit or dispersion trench where soil filters it. Open drains or ponds create health hazards.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Environmental health: disposal of septic tank effluent?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.