Source of Pollution
The origin point or activity that introduces a contaminant into the environment. Sources are categorized as point sources (single, identifiable) or non-point sources (diffuse).
Related terms
Point Source A single, identifiable source of pollution, such as a discharge pipe, smokestack, or factory outlet—the kind regulators can permit and measure directly. Non-Point Source Pollution that comes from many diffuse sources rather than one identifiable origin—like agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, or atmospheric deposition. Toxic Plume A spreading cloud or underground flow of contaminants moving away from its source through air, soil, or water.