Point source pollution is anything that emits pollution directly into the environment like factories, ships, or farms. This is because the pollutants produced can be traced back to that particular point. One example of point source pollution is scale farms. The livestock of these farms produces waste that can find its way into nearby water sources if it is not treated properly.

One side effect of point source pollution can be what is known as nonpoint source pollution. This is usually caused by runoff from rain or snow or moving water that has absorbed those pollutants. Because Nonpoint is derived from runoff from numerous sources, it is hard to determine the origin of the contaminants.

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Other Sources

National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. “Categories of Pollution: Nonpoint Source.” Ocean Service Education. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/pollution/04nonpointsource.html. Accessed August 17, 2016.

National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. “Categories of Pollution: Point Source.” Ocean Service Education. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/pollution/03pointsource.html. Accessed August 16, 2016.