Nonpoint Source Pollution

Science

A strong increase in phytoplankton abundance over a short period of time

Bloom

A strong increase in phytoplankton abundance over a short period of time. Bloom. Bloom is when tiny ocean plants rapidly multiply, covering large areas of water.

A hypoxic areas in coastal waters, which fail to support the marine life living there

Dead zone

A hypoxic areas in coastal waters, which fail to support the marine life living there. Dead zone. A dead zone is an area in oceans or lakes with very low oxygen levels, making it hard for most marine life to survive.

A reduced oxygen content of air or a body of water harmful to aerobic organisms

Hypoxia

A reduced oxygen content of air or a body of water harmful to aerobic organisms. Hypoxia. It means there isnt enough oxygen for living things to survive normally.

When a water becomes overly enriched with nutrients which causes rapid growth of algae

Eutrophication

When a water becomes overly enriched with nutrients which causes rapid growth of algae. Eutrophication is when too many nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, cause algae to grow out of control in water bodies.

Substances which are dangerous to the environment

Pollutant

Substances which are dangerous to the environment. Pollutant. A pollutant is a harmful substance that contaminates air, water, or soil.

Anything that has its origin in the influence of human activity on nature

Anthropogenic

Anything that has its origin in the influence of human activity on nature. Anthropogenic. In simple terms, anthropogenic refers to environmental changes or effects caused by humans.

Pollution that comes from a specific source

Point source pollution

Pollution that comes from a specific source. Point source pollution. It is pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, like a factory's smokestack.

Pollution that comes from many sources

Nonpoint source pollution

Pollution that comes from many sources. Nonpoint source pollution. This type of pollution occurs when runoff from rainwater collects chemicals and debris from surfaces like roads and fields, carrying them into rivers and lakes.

Carbon consisting substances which are dangerous to the environment

Organic pollutants

Carbon consisting substances which are dangerous to the environment. Organic pollutants. Organic pollutants are harmful chemicals containing carbon that contaminate the environment.

Substances without carbon which are pollutants, such as heavy metals

Inorganic pollutants

Substances without carbon which are pollutants, such as heavy metals, inorganic pollutants. Inorganic pollutants are non-carbon-based substances, like metals and salts, that contaminate the environment and can be harmful to living organisms.

Able to be decomposed by the action of living organisms

Biodegradable

Able to be decomposed by the action of living organisms. Biodegradable. Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down naturally by bacteria and other living organisms.

A tiny particles of plastic

Plastic nodules

A tiny particles of plastic. plastic nodules. Plastic nodules are small, rounded clumps of plastic debris that are formed in the environment, often found in oceans and beaches.