Water pollutants and their origin
The following table shows some common pollutants and where and what they originate from
(adapted from EPA NSW, 1996)
| Pollutant |
Where it comes from? |
| Sediment |
- Land surface erosion
- Pavement and vehicle wear (tyres, brakes etc)
- Atmosphere
- Spillage/illegal discharge
- Organic matter (for example, leaf litter, grass, droppings)
- runoff water from washing cars
- Weathering of buildings/structures
|
| Nutrients |
- Organic matter
- Fertilisers
- Sewer overflows/septic tanks leaks
- Animal/bird droppings
- Detergents (car washing)
- Atmosphere
- Spillage/illegal discharges
|
| Oxygen demanding substances |
- Decaying organic matter
- Atmosphere
- Sewer overflows/septic tank leaks
- Animal/bird droppings
- Spillage/illegal discharges
|
| pH (acidity) |
- Atmosphere
- Spillage/illegal discharges
- Decaying organic matter
- Erosion of roofing material
|
| Micro-organisms |
- Animal/bird droppings
- Sewer overflows/septic tank levels
- Decaying organic matter
|
| Toxic organics |
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Spillage/illegal discharges
- Sewer overflows/septic tank leaks
|
| Heavy metals |
- Atmosphere
- Vehicle wear
- Sewer overflows/septic tank leaks
- Weathering of buildings/structures
- Spillage/illegal discharges
|
| Oils and surfactants |
- Asphalt pavements
- Spillage/illegal discharges
- Leaks from vehicles
- Car washing
- Organic matter
|
| Increased water temperature |
- Runoff from impervious surfaces
- Removal of riparian vegetation
|
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