Untitled Flashcards Set

Point Source of Pollution

A distinct location from which pollution is directly produced, such as a factory or sewage treatment plant.

Nonpoint Source of Pollution

A diffuse area that produces pollution, characterized by multiple small contributions spread over a large area.

Example of Point Source

A factory that buries waste underground or a sewage treatment plant that discharges wastewater from a pipe.

Example of Nonpoint Source

Rainwater runoff from agricultural fields or pollution from numerous suburban lawns.

Controlling Point Sources

Cities can target specific sources to reduce pollution outputs if they can identify one or two point sources.

Challenge of Nonpoint Sources

Controlling pollution from nonpoint sources is difficult because they can cover large areas and involve many small contributors.

Impact of Cruise Ships

Many cruise ships have been reported to dump sewage and waste into oceans, producing significant pollution.

Mississippi River Watershed

Subject to pollution from tens of thousands of farms due to fertilizer and pesticide runoff, representing a nonpoint source.