Which of the following examples includes both a point and a nonpoint source of pollution?
(A) A factory smokestack and a sewage overflow
B) Runoff from city streets and pesticides from agricultural fields
(C) Waste from animal feedlots and sediment from construction sites
(D) Fertilizer from suburban lawns and wastewater from a water treatment plant
Answer – (D) Fertilizer from suburban lawns and wastewater from a water treatment plant.
Point sources of the pollution are considered to be easily identifiable pollution sources like the industrial or the municipal discharge-based pipes which enter the water sources at the single space. On the other hand, the non-point pollution sources are considered to be hard to identify and understanding as they can come from different places at a time. A major example of the non-point source related to pollution are the agricultural activities which include the excessive usage of fertilizers, pesticides, defoliants and herbicides that can lead to the degradation of water quality and the increased health problems. The other activities related to agriculture that include livestock-based activities can provide major levels of contribution towards the non-point pollution sources by depositing the substances like fertilizers, phytosanitary products and the organic matter within the soil. The forestry practices that are managed poorly can influence the water quality by introduction of the sediment, debris and nutrients into the waterbodies and charging the watershed functions. The boating activities and marinas are also related to the usage of chemicals for maintaining and repairing the boats that include solvents, paints, cleansers and oils that can spill into water and can cause major levels of pollution-related issues. The plants related to sewage treatment and the factories are considered to be important sources related to pollution that is termed as the point source-based pollution. The reason behind rejection of the other options is related to the lack of their appropriate relations with the aspects of both point source pollution or non-point source pollution.
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