Sources of pollution are places or activities that release substances into the environment that can be harmful to living organisms or disrupt natural processes. These sources can include industrial facilities, vehicles, agricultural practices, and even natural events like volcanic eruptions.
Imagine pollution sources as leaky faucets scattered throughout your house. Each faucet represents a different activity or location releasing pollutants into the environment. Just like fixing those leaks would prevent water damage, identifying and reducing pollution sources helps prevent environmental harm.
Point Source Pollution: Point source pollution refers to pollution coming from specific identifiable sources such as factories or sewage treatment plants.
Nonpoint Source Pollution: Nonpoint source pollution refers to pollution that comes from diffuse sources, making it challenging to trace back to a single origin. Examples include runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas.
Air Pollution: Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust. It can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.