pollution sources
Where toxins originate
Pollution sources are the origins of contaminants released into the environment—air, water, or soil.
Point sources are identifiable single locations like factory smokestacks or sewage outfalls.
Nonpoint sources are diffuse, like agricultural runoff or vehicle emissions spread across a region.
Regulators identified several pollution sources upstream from the contaminated area.
- agricultural runoffWater draining from farmland
- farm runoffWater draining from farmland
- illegal dumpingUnlawful waste disposal
- industrial emissionsPollutants released by manufacturing
- factory smokeExhaust from manufacturing facilities
oil spills · chemical spills · microplastics · plastic waste · traffic noise · heavy metals · residential heating · streetlights · wildfires · loudspeakers · pharmaceuticals · power plants · coal burning · neon signs · urban heat islands · vehicle exhaust · tailpipe fumes · exhaust pipes
- air pollutionsmog, emissions, air pollutants, pollutants, soot
- water pollutionsewage, industrial waste, contaminants, algal bloom, toxic waste
pollution sourcespollution controls
Limits on harmful discharges
carbon sinks · air purifiers · filtration systems · scrubbers · filters
pollution sourcesscrubbers
Equipment removing pollutants
filters · pollution controls · catalytic converters · treatment plants · neutralizers