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Water Pollution

Definition

Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, with harmful substances or pollutants.

Analogy

Imagine someone pouring toxic chemicals into a pristine lake where you used to swim; now the water is dirty and dangerous.

Related terms

Eutrophication: Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae in water bodies due to an increase in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from human activities. It can lead to oxygen depletion and harm aquatic life.

Point Source Pollution: Point source pollution refers to contaminants discharged from identifiable sources such as factories or sewage treatment plants.

Non-point Source Pollution: Non-point source pollution refers to pollutants that enter water bodies from diffuse sources like agricultural runoff or urban stormwater runoff.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.