Question

Fertilizers applied to residential lawns and gardens can end up in water bodies through the process of surface run-off or movement through ground water. This type of pollution would be considered... A. Point source B. Bioremediation C. Non-point source D. Throughput sourcing E. Tangential

Short answer

C. Non-point source

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Definition of Point Source Pollution

Point source pollution is contamination that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe or ditch. Typically, you can pinpoint the exact location of the pollutant's discharge.

- Understand the Definition of Non-Point Source Pollution

Non-point source pollution is diffuse contamination that does not originate from a single, discrete source. It is often carried by runoff from rainwater moving over and through the ground, picking up pollutants and depositing them into water bodies.

- Recognize Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the process of using microorganisms to decompose and remove pollutants from a contaminated area naturally. It is not related to the type of pollution source.

- Define Throughput Sourcing and Tangential

Throughput sourcing refers to the process involved in the production and distribution of goods and services. 'Tangential' means relating to or along a tangent; here, it is not related to pollution types.

- Determine the Type of Lawn Fertilizer Pollution

Since the pollution from fertilizers is carried by runoff and does not originate from a single, identifiable source, it is an example of non-point source pollution.

Key concepts

Point Source Pollution

Point source pollution refers to pollution that stems from a single, identifiable source. Think of a factory's discharge pipe or an oil spill from a tanker. You can often trace these contaminants back to a specific location. Because the source is easily identifiable, it also tends to be easier to regulate and manage. Examples of point source pollution include wastewater discharge from a treatment plant, chemicals released from a manufacturing facility, or pollution from a concentrated animal feeding operation.
This type of pollution is typically addressed through permits and regulatory measures to limit the amount of pollutants that can be released.

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is a technique that uses living organisms, like bacteria, fungi, and plants, to neutralize or remove contaminants from the environment. This process can help clean up polluted soils, groundwater, and surface water.
Microorganisms break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances through their metabolic processes. Thus, it's a natural method to deal with pollution.

• In situ bioremediation: Cleaning up pollution directly at the site.
• Ex situ bioremediation: Removing contaminated material to treat it elsewhere.

Bioremediation can be a cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution for managing pollution.

Surface Runoff

Surface runoff occurs when water from rain or irrigation flows over the ground. As it moves, it can pick up pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, and sediments. This contaminated water eventually makes its way into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Surface runoff is a significant contributor to non-point source pollution.
Thantiouse pollution impacts water quality and can lead to issues like algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water and harm aquatic life. Ways to manage surface runoff include:

• Using rain gardens to absorb excess water.
• Implementing green roofs to reduce runoff.
• Practicing low-impact landscaping to minimize water flow.

Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater contamination happens when harmful substances seep into water sources underground. This water is crucial for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses.
Pollutants can originate from various sources, including agricultural runoff, leaky underground storage tanks, and improperly disposed of industrial waste.
Since groundwater flows through the earth, contaminants can spread over large areas, making remediation difficult. Some common pollutants include:

• Nitrates from fertilizers.
• Heavy metals from industrial activities.
• Pathogens from septic systems.

Protecting groundwater involves proper waste management, controlling agricultural practices, and regular monitoring to detect contamination early.