POLLUTANT TYPE
Organic
Nutrients
In-organic
DEFINITION
Fine particles from
human production of
goods that cannot be
broken down in the
water.
Nitrogen, phosphorus,
which supply nutrients
to plants and can
stimulate the growth of
algae
Originate from
domestic sewage (raw
or treated), urban runoff, industrial (trade)
effluents and farm
wastes
Suspended solids
& sediments
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut out along the dotted lines
only
- Match the definition and example
to the type of pollutant
- Glue the matches into your
science book
- Put all of your rubbish in the bin
EXAMPLE
Accidental leaks and spills – associated with
handling and storage of chemicals
Agriculture runoff – carrying fertilisers and other
pollutants into water bodies
Animal waste
Burning of fossil fuels – the emitted ash particles
usually contain toxic metals
Construction and industrial site discharges
Pollutants that are large
enough to see with the
naked eye
Deliberate/illegal dumping of waste
Disposal of personal care products and household
chemicals ( detergents and cleaning solutions)
Pathogens
Improper disposal of batteries
Silt, sand, and minerals
settle on the top of the
water
Leaking sewage lines
Mining activities – mining activities involve crushing
rocks that usually resist run-off
Radioactive
Plastic materials/waste in contact with water
The presence of
radioactive substances
in the environment.
Soil erosion
Storm water/flooding runoff
Transportation – vehicle emissions pollute the air
with various exhaust pipe compounds
Macroscopic
Virus, bacteria and
disease forming
microorganisms