Point and Non-Point Pollution

Pollution that comes from MANY different places and is hard to identify its source.

• Point

• Non-Point

Pollution that comes from a single source

• Point

• Non-Point

Snow melts in parking lots and carries oils into nearby waterways

• Point

• Non-Point

Chemicals released from an Industrial Plant directly into a river

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

What distinguishes non-point source pollution from point source pollution?

• Non-point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source.

• Non-point source pollution is easier to control and manage.

• Non-point source pollution is diffuse, coming from multiple sources.

• Non-point source pollution does not affect water bodies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Can be traced back to the point of origin.

• Point Source Pollution

• Non-point source pollution

Cannot easily be traced to the source of the pollution.

• Point Source Pollution

• Non-point source pollution

What is an effective way to mitigate water pollution from agricultural runoff?

• Increasing the use of chemical pesticides

• Planting cover crops and creating buffer zones

• Expanding agricultural land

• Encouraging urban development near water bodies

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

Containers at a food processing plant leaking fat and animal juices

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

A farmer stores containers of pesticides in the barn and the containers leak

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS1-3