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Sources of Pollutants

A pollutant is any substance that, when added to the environment, has a negative impact on the environment and the organisms that depend on it for survival. Five types of pollution include water pollutants, air pollutants, soil pollutants, light pollutants and noise pollutants.

  1. Water Pollution

    • Water pollution may result from a variety of sources. Common sources of water pollution include oil spills, waste dumped at sea or runoff from agricultural or industrial sites. Oil spills harm wildlife including birds and sea mammals such as otters. Waste, including plastic bags, fishing line and other trash items dumped at sea can accumulate in areas and can cause animals to become entangled and die. Runoff from agricultural sites may introduce pesticides or fertilizers into water sources. Pesticides can lead to fish kills; fertilizers can lead to algal blooms that choke out naturally occurring plants, thus reducing the diversity of organisms in the water source. Other sources of water pollution include the introduction of raw sewage, which can lead to severe intestinal problems and disease in those who drink the contaminated water.

    Air Pollution

    • Two major sources of air pollution are emissions from vehicles and industrial sources. The burning of fossil fuels (carbon-based fuels, including coal and petroleum) introduces particulates into the air, thus reducing overall air quality. These particulates may form a hazy layer called smog that hangs over many industrial cities. Air pollution can lead to severe respiratory problems including asthma, lung cancer and other chronic lung ailments.

    Soil Pollution

    • Soil pollution may result from the improper disposal of hazardous waste, industrial chemicals and/or the overuse of pesticides or insecticides. Underground storage tanks, or USTs, if improperly constructed or installed, can rupture and introduce their contents into the soil. Runoff from industrial and agricultural sources can also lead to soil pollution.

    Light Pollution

    • Light pollution refers to the excessive use of lighting fixtures used to illuminate places at night. Large urban areas are particularly vulnerable to light pollution. This type of pollution obscures the night sky and impacts the nocturnal activities of many animal species, including migrating birds.

    Noise Pollution

    • Noise pollution refers to excessive or disruptive human-made noises. Similar to light pollution, noise pollution is particularly a problem in urban or heavily industrial areas. In addition to potentially affecting human hearing, noise pollution also affects the activities of many animal species, including the movement of marine mammals and the nesting activities of songbirds.

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