Which is an example of non-point source pollution?

• A. A factory discharge pipe
• B. A discrete pipe from a power plant
• C. Agricultural runoff from fields
• D. Treated wastewater effluent

Answer: (C)

Non-point source pollution comes from many diffuse sources across the landscape, carried by rainfall or irrigation runoff into waterways rather than from one identifiable outlet. Agricultural runoff from fields embodies this because rain or irrigation wash soil, nutrients, and pesticides from numerous fields into streams and rivers, with no single discharge point to point to. In contrast, a factory discharge pipe, a discrete pipe from a power plant, or treated wastewater effluent all release pollutants through a specific, identifiable outlet, making them point sources. Therefore, agricultural runoff from fields is the example of non-point source pollution.