1.5 Nature of pollution

Pollution is The addition to an environment of a substance or an agent (such as heat) by human activity faster than it can be rendered harmless by the environment and which has an appreciable effect on organisms within it Caused by human activity Added faster than it can be treated Affects organisms

Pollution The contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Pollution can occur naturally,(ex. through volcanic eruptions), or unnaturally (ex. the spilling of oil and disposal or industrial waste)

Pollution goes to The air - but we need clean air to breathe to survive The water - but we need fresh water to drink, and depend on aquatic species for food The land - but we grow our food on the land and live on it

Types of Pollution Water Air Noise Light Heat

Sources of Pollution Fossil fuels - release greenhouse gases, can contribute to respiratory problems and acid rain Domestic waste - food waste, sewage, rubbish (glass, plastics, paper, wood, metals) Industrial waste - heavy metals, heat (in air and/or water), acids Agricultural waste - fertilizers, animal waste, and pesticides contaminate water sources

Pollution Two Forms of Pollution: Point source pollution and non- point source

Point Source Pollution Point source: Pollution that can be traced back to a single origin or source (ex. sewage treatment plant discharge). Point source pollution has a localized impact is easier to manage.

Non-Point Source Pollution Non-point source: Pollution which cannot be traced back to a single origin or source (ex. storm water runoff, water runoff from urban areas and failed septic systems). More difficult to identify and manage Hard to assign responsibility

NONPOINT SOURCES Urban streets Suburban development Wastewater treatment plant Rural homes Cropland Factory Animal feedlot POINT SOURCES Point vs. Nonpoint

Point source or non-point source?

Non-point source pollution

Sources of Pollution Combustion of Fossil Fuels Domestic Industrial Waste Agriculture Systems

Which is easier to control? Point sources are easier to manage because effects are localized Allows emission control Allows determination of responsibility and taking legal action and the polluter can be identified and prosecuted if necessary Its impact and effects are localized (they cover a smaller area)

Which is more difficult to control? non-point source pollution is more difficult to manage because it is often multiple sources from a large area (i.e. several states or regions) the area affected may be large enough that it crosses borders, making regulation/control an issue that must be organized among several different governments or government branches

Point Source Pollution ExampleChallenges for management Effluent from sewage pipe Discharge from smokestack from a factory Exhaust from tailpipe of car

Point Source Pollution ExampleChallenges for management Effluent from sewage pipeEasily identifiable, enforce laws against polluters, monitor and measure types of pollution and its effects Discharge from smokestack from a factory Exhaust from tailpipe of car

Point Source Pollution ExampleChallenges for management Effluent from sewage pipeEasily identifiable, enforce laws against polluters, monitor and measure types of pollution and its effects Discharge from smokestack from a factory Easily identifiable, enforce laws against polluters, monitor and measure types of pollution and its effects. Enforce containment or conversion, i.e. scrubbers Exhaust from tailpipe of car

Point Source Pollution ExampleChallenges for management Effluent from sewage pipeEasily identifiable, enforce laws against polluters, monitor and measure types of pollution and its effects Discharge from smokestack from a factory Easily identifiable, enforce laws against polluters, monitor and measure types of pollution and its effects. Enforce containment or conversion, i.e. scrubbers Exhaust from tailpipe of car Easily identifiable but with the enormous number of tail pipes this becomes very difficult, enforce and make more stringent the emission laws, encourage alternatives such as electric cars, hybrids

Non-Point Source Pollution ExampleChallenges for management Fertilizer run-off, pesticide and herbicide run-off Animal and Human waste Strom sewer discharge into water ways containing oil, grease, slat, etc.

Non-Point Source Pollution ExampleChallenges for management Fertilizer run-off, pesticide and herbicide run-off Difficult to identify source. Difficult to enforce or to remediate Animal and Human waste Strom sewer discharge into water ways containing oil, grease, slat, etc.

Non-Point Source Pollution ExampleChallenges for management Fertilizer run-off, pesticide and herbicide run-off Difficult to identify source. Difficult to enforce or to remediate Animal and Human wasteDifficult to identify source. Difficult to enforce or to remediate Strom sewer discharge into water ways containing oil, grease, slat, etc.