Point source pollutant

Definition

A point source pollutant is any single identifiable source of pollution that can be traced back to a specific location or facility. Examples include industrial discharge pipes or smokestacks from power plants.

Related terms

Non-point source pollutant: Pollution that comes from diffuse sources rather than one specific location, such as runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas.

Effluent:

Wastewater or liquid waste discharged from a factory or treatment plant into rivers or oceans.

Emissions:

Gases or particles released into the atmosphere by various sources such as vehicles, factories, or power plants.