Which describes pollution from many diffuse sources like runoff from farms and roads?

Which describes pollution from many diffuse sources like runoff from farms and roads?

• A. Point Source Pollution
• B. Dead Zones
• C. Eutrophication
• D. Nonpoint Source Pollution

Answer: (D)

Pollution from many diffuse sources is nonpoint source pollution. It comes from wide areas rather than a single, identifiable discharge. Rainfall or irrigation washes nutrients, sediments, pesticides, oils, and salts from fields, roads, and other surfaces into streams and rivers. Because there isn’t one distinct outlet you can point to, this type of pollution is classified as nonpoint source pollution. By contrast, point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable discharge, like a pipe or smokestack. Dead zones and eutrophication describe the effects of nutrient loading in water bodies, not the way the pollution enters the environment. So the best description for pollution from numerous diffuse sources is nonpoint source pollution.

Pollution from many diffuse sources is nonpoint source pollution. It comes from wide areas rather than a single, identifiable discharge. Rainfall or irrigation washes nutrients, sediments, pesticides, oils, and salts from fields, roads, and other surfaces into streams and rivers. Because there isn’t one distinct outlet you can point to, this type of pollution is classified as nonpoint source pollution. By contrast, point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable discharge, like a pipe or smokestack. Dead zones and eutrophication describe the effects of nutrient loading in water bodies, not the way the pollution enters the environment. So the best description for pollution from numerous diffuse sources is nonpoint source pollution.