Download Sources of Water Pollution

Sources of Water Pollution
Point Source vs. Non-point Source Pollution
• Point source – pollution discharged to the
environment through pipes, sewers, ditches, etc.
from sources such as factories or sewage
treatment plants
• Nonpoint source- pollutants discharged over
large areas rather than a single point of entry
(agricultural runoff, municipal wastes,
construction sites, mining wastes, etc.)
Sources of Water Pollution
Non-point source
Point Source
Sources of Water Pollution
Point Source vs. Non-point source
Sources of Water Pollution
Water Pollution from Agriculture
• 72% of water pollution in rivers attributed
to agriculture
– Fertilizer runoff
– Animal wastes and plant residue
– Chemical pesticides
– Soil erosion
Sources of Water Pollution
Municipal Water Pollution
• Point sources
• Nonpoint sources
Water Quality Today
Industrial Wastes in Water
• Problems depend upon industry
– Food processing  high BOD
– Paper mills  toxic compounds & sludge
• Many US industries now treating
wastewater
(some can recover merchantable products)
Water Quality Today
Groundwater Pollution