Which category includes nutrients (N & P), pathogens, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and trash as common nonpoint source pollutants?

Which category includes nutrients (N & P), pathogens, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and trash as common nonpoint source pollutants?

• A. Major NPS pollutants
• B. Sediment pollution
• C. Pathogens
• D. Designated water uses

Answer: (A)

Nonpoint source pollution refers to pollutants that enter water from many diffuse sources rather than a single discharge. The items listed—nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), pathogens, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and trash—are classic examples carried by runoff from urban, agricultural, and disturbed lands. Together they describe the broad group of contaminants commonly associated with diffuse stormwater inputs, so they’re labeled as major nonpoint source pollutants. By comparison, sediment pollution is a specific type focused on soil particles; pathogens is just one pollutant; designated water uses are goals for water quality, not categories of pollutants.

Nonpoint source pollution refers to pollutants that enter water from many diffuse sources rather than a single discharge. The items listed—nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), pathogens, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and trash—are classic examples carried by runoff from urban, agricultural, and disturbed lands. Together they describe the broad group of contaminants commonly associated with diffuse stormwater inputs, so they’re labeled as major nonpoint source pollutants. By comparison, sediment pollution is a specific type focused on soil particles; pathogens is just one pollutant; designated water uses are goals for water quality, not categories of pollutants.