London's Sewer System and Pollution

The Great Stink of 1858 in London was caused by centuries of waste dumping into the River Thames, leading to a foul odor and health crises. The primitive sewer systems overflowed, exacerbated by the introduction of flush toilets. Misunderstandings about waste disposal and the tideway led to sewage buildup. Sir Michael Faraday warned of the dire conditions, but it wasn't until the Great Stink that action was taken. The miasma theory misled efforts to address the issue. Eventually, Joseph Bazalgette designed a new sewer system, improving public health and water quality.

What event in 1858 highlighted the severe pollution problem in London?

• The London Flood

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Great Stink

• The Great Fire of London

What was a major consequence of London's primitive sewer systems before 1858?

• Improved sanitation

• Increased tourism

• Frequent flooding

• Cholera outbreaks

Why did Londoners believe their waste would be washed out to sea?

• They had advanced sewage treatment plants

• They thought the Thames was a tideway

• They used modern waste disposal methods

• They had no waste management system

What did Sir Michael Faraday use to test the opacity of the Thames?

• A microscope

• A barometer

• White paper cards

• A thermometer

What was the initial reaction of the government to the Great Stink?

• They covered the smell with lime

• They immediately built a new sewer system

• They relocated Parliament

• They ignored it

Who was responsible for designing the new sewer system in London?

• Queen Victoria

• Joseph Bazalgette

• Michael Faraday

• Benjamin Disraeli

What was a key feature of Bazalgette's sewer design?

• It was temporary

• It ran parallel to the Thames

• It was above ground

• It used wooden pipes

What was the estimated modern cost of Bazalgette's sewer project?

• $300 million

• $200 million

• $400 million

• $100 million

What was the primary reason for the construction of the new sewer system?

• To address pollution and health issues

• To beautify the city

• To increase property values

• To improve transportation

What was the outcome of the new sewer system in London?

• It successfully reduced pollution

• It was abandoned

• It caused more health issues

• It failed to solve the problem