WATER POLLUTANTS

Water pollution
any physical, biological or chemical
change in water quality that
adversely affects living organisms or
makes water unsuitable for desired
uses

Surface water

Groundwater

Water pollution
Point pollution sources
Nonpoint pollution sources

Water pollutants
MAJOR CATEGORIES OF WATER POLLUTANTS
CATEGORIES
A. Causes Health Problems
1. Infectious Agents
2. Organic chemicals
3. Inorganic chemicals
4. Radioactive materials,
production, natural
sources
B. Causes ecosystem
disruption
1. Sediment
2. Plant nutrients
3. Oxygen-demanding
wastes

EXAMPLES
Bacteria, viruses, parasites
Pesticides, plastics,
detergents, oil and gasoline
Acids, caustics, salts metals
Uranium, thorium, cesium,
iodine, radon

Soil, silt
Nitrates, phosphates,
ammonium
Animal manure and plant
residues

A. Causes health problems

Infectious agents

A. Causes health problems

Organic chemicals

A. Causes health problems

Inorganic chemicals

B. Causes ecosystem disruption

Sediment

B. Causes ecosystem
disruption
Plant nutrients

B. Causes ecosystem
disruption
Oxygen-demanding wastes

B. Causes ecosystem
disruption
Thermal