Final answer:
Point source pollution can be traced back to specific discharge points, such as wastewater treatment plants or factories, while nonpoint source pollution is contamination that comes from multiple diffuse areas. Examples of point source pollution include untreated sewage and wastewater from sewage treatment plants, while nonpoint source pollution includes fertilizer runoff and urban pollutants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Point source pollution refers to contamination that can be traced back to a specific point of discharge, such as wastewater treatment plants or factories. This pollution enters water supplies through identifiable and relatively small locations.
For example, untreated sewage and wastewater from sewage treatment plants are point sources of pollution. Leaking underground tanks and combined sewer systems can also contribute to point source pollution when untreated sewage spills directly into surface waters.
On the other hand, nonpoint source pollution is contamination that does not come from a single point source. It occurs when small amounts of contaminants collect from a large area, making it difficult to trace back to a specific activity or location. Examples of nonpoint source pollution include fertilizer runoff from agricultural fields and urban pollutants like oil, antifreeze, and road salt.