The Sources of Organic Pollutants

Organic pollutants refer to discharge derived from living organisms. As a result, these pollutants are subject to bacterial decomposition, according to Chemgaroo Educational Systems, a provider of science and engineering information. Organic pollutants usually are discharged to bodies of water such as lakes and seas, which dilute them before bacteria breaks them down. Although organic pollutants are not toxic in small amounts, excessive amounts can be harmful to the ecosystem. These types of pollutants can come from a wide variety of sources.

Homes

• Residences are a chief source of organic pollutants. For example, pollutants from washing and cleaning compounds as well as solvents can end up in wastewater treatment plants, according to ScienceDirect.com. Organic solvents are used in the pharmaceutical industry and also are used in the chemical industry for products including adhesives and paints, reports the Safety and Environmental Technology Group. Other pollutants present in wastewater treatment plants include musk fragrances used in domestic products such as soaps, air fresheners, fabric softeners, detergents and perfumes, according to IOP Publishing, a publisher of scientific materials.

Industry

• A variety of industry sources exist for organic pollutants as well. These industries include liquor distilleries, breweries and paper pulp mills, according to FOSS, a provider of analytical instruments in the food and agricultural industries. Other industries such as sugar refineries, rubber factories, food processing plants and slaughterhouses additionally contribute to the amount of organic pollutants in the environment. Food processing plants in particular generate a large amount of wastewater used for cleaning and sterilizing equipment as well as washing products, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. However, facilities that operate in summer months, such as those that process vegetables, typically discharge their wastewater to serve as nutrients for plants.

Agriculture/Other Sources

• Agricultural products are a major source of persistent organic pollution, according to WorldBank.org. For example, the pollutant aldrin is a pesticide intended to destroy insect pests such as grasshoppers and termites but also can kill fish, birds and even humans -- primarily through consumption of foods including dairy products and meats. Likewise, the pollutant chlordane, which kills termites, also can kill ducks and shrimp and can remain in the soil for a long period of time. These types of pollutants can cause health problems such as cancer as well as reproductive, nervous and immune system damage.

  Persistent organic pollutants known as dioxins also are produced unintentionally during the manufacture of pesticides and chlorinated substances, according to WorldBank.org. In addition, they can result from burning hospital wastes and even from automobile emissions and coal.