NON POINT SOURCE SOLLUTION

Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution

Pollution that comes from diffuse, spread-out sources (not a single pipe).

Point Source Pollution

Single identifiable source (factory pipe)

Water moves between:

The Atmosphere, Rivers & Lakes (The Surface), and Groundwater

Evaporation

Liquid turning into Gas

Precipitation

Water vapor condenses in the atmosphere and falls onto the Earth

Runoff

Water from precipitation that flows over the land surface instead of soaking into the ground

Infiltration

Water on ground surface enters soil

Runoff carries

Fertilizer, Pesticides, Sediment (Pollution)

Carbon Cycle (Photosynthesis)

Plants take in carbon dioxide during the day for photosynthesis. At night, they burn the sugar they’ve formed for energy and release carbon dioxide in the process.

Carbon Cycle (Non-Plant Organisms)

Organisms consume & break down carbon-containing matter and release it (Through respiration, excretion or decomposition)

Carbon’s stored in:

Oceans, Soil, Fossil Fuels

Eutrophication

Fertilizers enter runoff and waters and go into algae, giving it excess nutrients.

Eutrophication (Impact)

Overgrown algae block sunlight, killing plants; bacteria from decomposition use oxygen to decompose the algae. This oxygen depletion causes fish to die in dead zones.

Nutrients Spiraling

Nutrients move downstream, progressing from inorganic to organic forms as they are absorbed by different organisms and released back into the water. (Ex: Nitrogen and Phosphorus)

Urban Sources of NPS Pollution

Stormwater runoff, Roads (oil, metals), Lawns (fertilizer, pesticide), Carwashing (runoff chemicals and materials go into storm drains)

Agricultural Sources of NPS Pollution

Fertilizers, Animal Waste, Sediment, Pesticides

Household Sources of NPS Pollution

Improper chemical disposal (Ex, throwing medicine into the toilet), Septic system failure, Yard waste (Grass and leaves give extra nitrogen and phosphorus)

Benefits of Infiltration Practices (Ex: Infiltration Basins, Trenches, Pervious Pavement)

Reduces run off and filters pollutants,

Plant Filtering

Using Grass Channels and Swales (ditches meant to gather water) to slow water and trap sediment

Sand & Media Filters

Water passes through them and they help remove any particles and chemicals

Biorentetion

Plants and Soil filter runoff. Helps absorb water and strip harmful nutrients)

Detention Ponds

Ponds that gather up runoff stormwater and release it slowly. Reduces flooding and allows sediment to settle to the bottom.

Retention Ponds

Ponds that gather up runoff stormwater to keep it permanently. Reduces flooding and allows sediment to settle to the bottom.

Constructed Wetlands

Systems that use natural processes (Ex, vegetation, soils, and different microorganisms) to filter pollutants and provide habitat for different animals (like insects and worms).

BMP

Best management practices

Treatment Train

A sequence of water treatment stages (BMP’s), where each stage is a specific treatment technology that leads into another. Better than just using one.

Pollution Issues at Home

Improper disposal, overusing certain chemicals, and various leaks/spills.

Solutions for Household pollution

Usage of less fertilizer, proper disposal and storage of chemicals (not just dumping them in the trash or in the toilet), maintaining septic systems, and reducing lawn size.

Hydromodification

Changing natural water systems (Examples: Dams, Channelization [artificially altering rivers], Stream straightening.

Negative effects of Hydromodification

Loss of aquatic habitat, erosion [more water flowing into the stream faster], altered flow, and increased flood hazards

Common Pollutants

Fertilizers, Oil/Grease, Sediment, Pesticides, Bacteria, Road Salt/Heavy Metals

Effects of Urbanization

Impervious surfaces (roads, roofs, and parking lots) prevent water from soaking into the ground. This causes more runoff carrying different substances from the surfaces, and a higher chance of flooding.

Common way people impact the environment