APES Point and Non-Point Pollution Quiz

Point Source Pollution

Pollution from a single, identifiable source (e.g., pipe, factory)

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution from many diffuse sources, often carried by runoff

Point Source Characteristics

Easy to trace, comes from a specific location, easier to regulate

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

Hard to trace, widespread, difficult to regulate

Example of Point Source Pollution

Factory discharge pipe

Example of Nonpoint Source Pollution

Fertilizer runoff from farms

Common Point Source Pollutants

Heavy metals, industrial chemicals, sewage, thermal pollution

Common Nonpoint Pollutants

Nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus), sediment, pesticides, pathogens

Runoff

Water from rain or snowmelt that carries pollutants over land into waterways

Eutrophication

Excess nutrients cause algal blooms and oxygen depletion in water

Algal Bloom

Rapid growth of algae due to excess nutrients

Dead Zone

Area in water with very low dissolved oxygen where aquatic life cannot survive

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Amount of oxygen available in water for aquatic organisms

Bioaccumulation

Buildup of toxins in an organism over time

Biomagnification

Increase in toxin concentration at higher trophic levels

Thermal Pollution

Release of heated water that lowers oxygen levels in aquatic systems

Clean Water Act (1972)

U.S. law regulating water pollution, especially point sources

Buffer Zone

Vegetated area near water that filters pollutants before they enter waterways

Permeable Pavement

Surface that allows water to soak through, reducing runoff

Sediment Pollution

Soil particles entering water, reducing clarity and harming organisms

Nutrient Pollution

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus causing eutrophication

Point Source Regulation

Managed through permits and monitoring (e.g., discharge limits)

Nonpoint Source Solutions

Sustainable farming, reduced chemical use, proper land management