Environmental Science: Pollution Types

Questions and Answers

What is an example of point source pollution?

Soil runoff from farms

Pesticides from farmland

Leaking septic tank systems (correct)

Chemicals added to road surfaces

Which of the following is considered point source pollution?

Feces from livestock feedlots

Water runoff from city streets

Leaking storage lagoons for polluted waste (correct)

Air pollutants in precipitation

Identify one source of nonpoint source pollution.

Polluted water from abandoned mines

Pesticides from residential lawns (correct)

Public and industrial waste-water treatment plants

Leaking underground storage tanks

Which of these is a characteristic of nonpoint source pollution?

Soil runoff from construction sites Signup and view all the answers

What is point source pollution?

Pollution that comes from a single identifiable source. Signup and view all the answers

What is nonpoint source pollution?

Pollution that comes from multiple diffuse sources. Signup and view all the answers

Name a type of point source pollution.

Leaking septic tank systems Signup and view all the answers

Name a type of nonpoint source pollution.

Water runoff from city streets Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Point Source Pollution

Defined as pollution from a single, identifiable source.
Common examples include leaking septic tank systems.
Leaking storage lagoons contain polluted waste, contributing to point source pollution.
Unlined landfills release hazardous materials into the environment.
Underground storage tanks that leak contain harmful chemicals or fuels like gasoline.
Active and abandoned mines often release polluted water.
Industries discharge water which may contain pollutants.
Waste-water treatment plants, public and industrial, can also be sources of point pollution.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Characterized by diffuse sources of pollution that are not easily traced.
Chemicals such as salt and other de-icing agents are added to road surfaces.
Water runoff from urban and suburban areas can carry oil, gasoline, animal waste, and trash.
Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers applied to lawns, golf courses, and farms contribute significantly.
Livestock feedlots can lead to pollution from feces and agricultural chemicals.
Precipitation can pick up air pollutants, leading to contaminated runoff.
Soil runoff from farming and construction activities carries sediments and pollutants.
Personal watercraft can also introduce oil and gasoline into waterways through nonpoint source pollution.

Description

This quiz covers the differences between point source and nonpoint source pollution. It includes definitions, examples, and the impacts of various pollution sources on the environment. Test your understanding of these critical environmental concepts.