What term refers to the treatment and proper disposal of sewage?

The term that best refers to the treatment and proper disposal of sewage is sanitation. Sanitation encompasses not only the management of sewage but also the practices aimed at maintaining health through the hygienic disposal of waste and the provision of clean drinking water. It focuses on ensuring that wastewater is treated and disposed of in a manner that minimizes health risks and environmental impacts. This is vital in public health, as effective sanitation systems can prevent the spread of diseases often associated with improper sewage disposal.

The other terms, while related to waste and health, do not capture the specific focus on sewage treatment and disposal as effectively. Sanitary methods pertain more broadly to hygiene practices. Pollution control refers to efforts aimed at reducing pollution in general, which includes air and water quality management, but does not exclusively address sewage. Waste management covers a wider range of waste types, including general solid and liquid waste, but is a more encompassing term that goes beyond just sewage treatment.