Fiveable
Fiveable

Sources of Pollution

Definition

Sources of pollution are places or activities that release substances into the environment that can be harmful to living organisms or disrupt natural processes. These sources can include industrial facilities, vehicles, agricultural practices, and even natural events like volcanic eruptions.

Related terms

Point Source Pollution: Point source pollution refers to pollution coming from specific identifiable sources such as factories or sewage treatment plants.

Nonpoint Source Pollution: Nonpoint source pollution refers to pollution that comes from diffuse sources, making it challenging to trace back to a single origin. Examples include runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas.

Air Pollution: Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust. It can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

"Sources of Pollution" appears in:

Additional resources (1)

  • AP Environmental Science - 2024 AP Environmental Science Exam Guide

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.