Point Source Pollution
Definition
Point source pollution refers to the contamination of water, air, or soil that can be traced back to a specific and identifiable source, such as a factory or sewage treatment plant.
Analogy
Imagine a leaking faucet in your house. The water dripping from the faucet is like point source pollution because you can clearly see where it's coming from and trace it back to the specific location.
Related terms
Non-point Source Pollution: Non-point source pollution refers to pollution that comes from diffuse sources and cannot be traced back to a single origin point. It includes things like runoff from roads or parking lots.
Agricultural Runoff: Agricultural runoff is a type of non-point source pollution that occurs when fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals used in farming are washed away by rainwater into nearby bodies of water.
Industrial Discharge: Industrial discharge refers to the release of pollutants into the environment by factories or industrial facilities. It is a common example of point source pollution.
"Point Source Pollution" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (4)
- Which of the following is an example of point source pollution?
- Which legislation makes it unlawful to discharge any point source pollution without permits?
- What is the characteristic feature of point source pollution?
- What is the main characteristic that distinguishes point source pollution from nonpoint source pollution?
Resources
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