Which type of pollution involves a direct discharge into water bodies?

Point source pollution refers to contaminants that enter a water body from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe, ditch, or sewage treatment plant. This type of pollution is characterized by its specific origin, making it relatively easier to monitor and regulate compared to other types of pollution.

For example, if a factory discharges industrial waste directly into a river through a pipe, that discharge is considered point source pollution. The distinction is important because it allows for targeted remediation measures, as the source can be tackled directly through regulatory measures or technological solutions.

In contrast, non-point source pollution originates from multiple, diffuse sources. It often occurs during rainfall or snowmelt, where runoff carries pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment into water bodies. Thermal pollution, related to changes in water temperature due to activities such as industrial cooling, and biological pollution, which involves the introduction of invasive species or pathogens, are also different in nature and do not refer specifically to direct discharges from a single point.