Which is an example of point source pollution?

Which is an example of point source pollution?

• A. Leaching from areas of application
• B. A pesticide spill entering a storm sewer
• C. Emissions to air from evaporation
• D. Runoff from a large field

Answer: (B)

Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source that releases pollutants into a water body. A pesticide spill entering a storm sewer fits this idea because the discharge originates from a specific incident and location—the spill travels through an outlet to the water, making the source discrete and traceable. Leaching from areas of application and runoff from a large field are considered non-point sources since the pollutants originate from many locations over a broad area and are carried to water bodies collectively. Emissions to air from evaporation involve pollutants entering the atmosphere, not water, so they aren’t an example of water pollution.

Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source that releases pollutants into a water body. A pesticide spill entering a storm sewer fits this idea because the discharge originates from a specific incident and location—the spill travels through an outlet to the water, making the source discrete and traceable.

Leaching from areas of application and runoff from a large field are considered non-point sources since the pollutants originate from many locations over a broad area and are carried to water bodies collectively. Emissions to air from evaporation involve pollutants entering the atmosphere, not water, so they aren’t an example of water pollution.