Nonpoint Source Pollution in AP Environmental Science

Definition

Nonpoint source pollution refers to the contamination of water or air that comes from diffuse sources and cannot be traced back to a single point. It occurs when rainfall or snowmelt carries pollutants over land surfaces into bodies of water.

Related terms

Point Source Pollution:

Point source pollution refers to contamination that can be traced back to a specific, identifiable source such as factories or sewage treatment plants.

Runoff:

Runoff is the flow of water, often carrying pollutants, over land surfaces and into bodies of water. It can occur after rainfall or snowmelt and is a common cause of nonpoint source pollution.

Watershed:

A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls within it drains into a common body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Understanding watersheds is important for managing nonpoint source pollution.