What is the largest source of water pollution?

Answer 1

Agriculture (in the USA) is the #1 source of water pollution

According to the US EPA (2002), the primary sources of contamination that lead to the degradation of water quality in rivers and streams are: (1) agriculture (48%), (2) hydrological modifications or changes (20%), (3) habitat modification (14%), and (4) urban runoff/storm sewers (13%).

Similarly, for lakes, hydrologic modification (18%), urban run-off/storm sewers (18%), and nonpoint sources (14%), were found to be the top three sectors contributing to water pollution (US EPA, 2002).

Citation:

US EPA (2002), Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA-841-R-02-001, Washington, D.C., USA, National Water Quality Inventory: 2000 Report.

A brief revision

The primary reason that agriculture is the top source is that it uses a lot of fertilizers, which when they seep into water sources cause the water to become nutrient-rich and often bloom in large quantities, depleting the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life in the stream need to survive. Cattle feces also have this same effect.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer 2

The largest source of water pollution varies depending on location and context, but generally, agriculture, including runoff from fertilizers and pesticides, is considered one of the largest sources of water pollution worldwide.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Not the question you need?

Drag image here or click to upload

Or press Ctrl + V to paste
Answer Background
HIX Tutor
Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI
  • 98% accuracy study help
  • Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
  • Step-by-step, in-depth guides
  • Readily available 24/7