The 411 - What happens if you poop underwater?

When you defecate (poop) underwater, whether it's in a swimming pool, a lake, the ocean, or any body of water, several things can occur:

1. Dissipation: The solid fecal matter will start to dissolve and break apart in the water. Water will infiltrate the stool, causing it to disintegrate more rapidly than it would in the air.

2. Buoyancy: Fecal matter is typically less dense than water, so it may float initially. However, as it dissolves and disintegrates, it may eventually sink.

3. Dispersal: The water in the body of water will help disperse and dilute the waste, which can reduce the concentration of harmful substances and bacteria associated with feces.

It's important to note that while water can help disperse and dilute waste, fecal matter can introduce contaminants and bacteria into the water. In swimming pools, for example, this can lead to hygiene and health concerns. That's why public swimming pools typically have strict rules against defecating in the water and have filtration and sanitation systems in place to maintain water quality.

In natural bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans, the dilution effect is much greater due to the vast volume of water, but it's still important to practice responsible behaviour and consider the environmental impact. In many places, it's considered inconsiderate and environmentally harmful to defecate in natural bodies of water, and it may be subject to local regulations and restrictions.

In summary, when you poop underwater, the fecal matter will break down and disintegrate due to water's properties, but it's essential to be mindful of the environment and follow local rules and guidelines to maintain water quality and hygiene.

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Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model