APES 8.1 Sources of Pollution

Introduction to Pollutants

  • Distinction between pollution and pollutants.

  • Objective: Describe differences between point sources and non-point sources of pollutants.

Point Sources of Pollution

  • Definition: Pollution entering the environment from an easily identified and confined location (EPA).

  • Characteristics:

    • Can be easily pointed to or traced back.

    • Example: Discharge pipe from a farm releasing waste directly into a river.

  • Specific Examples:

    • Animal Waste Runoff: From Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which can lead to pollutants like ammonia and fecal coliform bacteria.

    • Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions: Generates pollutants including particulate matter, carbon dioxide, NOx, and SOx.

    • Oil Spills: Such as the BP oil spill, which released hydrocarbons and benzene; specifically identifiable point source despite spreading over distance.

Non-Point Sources of Pollution

  • Definition: Pollution entering the environment from multiple diffuse sources (EPA).

  • Characteristics:

    • Difficult to trace back to an individual source.

    • Example: Sediment pollution in an estuary caused by runoff from various rivers.

  • Specific Examples:

    • Urban Runoff: Stormwater collects pollutants, enters storm drains, leading into rivers—includes components like motor oil, nitrates, road salts, and sediment.

    • Pesticide Application: E.g., atrazine and glyphosate dispersed across fields and carried into water bodies by rain or wind.

    • Estuaries and Bays: Challenge in identifying responsible parties for pesticides in areas with diverse sources of pollution.

Defining Pollutants vs Pollution

  • Pollutants:

    • Specific chemicals or groups that come from defined sources, with known human and environmental health impacts.

    • Importance of being specific to earn points in APES FRQ exams.

  • Pollution:

    • A vague term, referring to undesired substances in the environment without specification; unlikely to earn points on FRQs.

  • Focus on memorizing specific pollutant names from units 7 and 8, along with their sources and impacts.

Acceptable Use of "Pollution"

  • Mentioning specific types of pollution (e.g., thermal pollution, noise pollution) is acceptable if detailing specific effects and mitigation strategies.

  • Example: Thermal Pollution (hot water releases, effects include oxygen depletion).

  • General use of the term "pollution" alone is discouraged; aim to associate it with a specific pollutant.