Point and Nonpoint Pollution

An abandoned mine leaking minerals into groundwater

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Litter on city streets washes away during a storm

• Point

• Non-Point

An oil truck rolls over and spills oil on a highway

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Car leak oil onto driveways and it washes away

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Acid Rain

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Cattle ranches allow livestock to feed along streams

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Power plants cool hot water pipes in a local river

• Point

• Non-Point

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the primary difference between point source and nonpoint source pollution?

• Point source pollution can be traced to a specific location, while nonpoint source pollution cannot.

• Nonpoint source pollution can be traced to a specific location, while point source pollution cannot.

• Point source pollution is always more harmful than nonpoint source pollution.

• Nonpoint source pollution is always more harmful than point source pollution.

Which of the following is an example of point source pollution?

• Runoff from agricultural fields

• Discharge from a wastewater treatment plant

• Oil spills from cars on highways

• Pesticides from residential lawns

Which of the following is a common source of nonpoint source pollution?

• Factory discharge pipes

• Leaking septic tanks

• Urban stormwater runoff

• Oil refineries