Which type of waste is characterized by high organic content and pathogens?

Black water is characterized by its high organic content and the presence of pathogens, making it distinct from other types of wastewater. It typically originates from toilets and contains human waste, which not only has a significant amount of organic material but also poses health risks due to the potential presence of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms.

Gray water, in contrast, refers to wastewater generated from sinks, showers, and laundry, and while it may contain some organic matter, it lacks the pathogenic content found in black water. Contaminated water can vary widely in its pollutants and does not specifically refer to high organic content or pathogens. Storm water is runoff from precipitation that may gather dirt and debris but is not typically associated with high organic content or pathogens like black water. Therefore, black water is the correct answer as it directly matches the definition related to high organic content and the risk of pathogens.