Movement of pesticides into streams after broadcast applications to large areas is an example of point-source pollution.

• A. Depends On The Pesticide
• B. It Is Always Nonpoint
• C. True
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Nonpoint-source pollution describes contamination that comes from many diffuse sources rather than a single discharge. When pesticides are broadcast over large areas, movement into streams usually occurs from numerous spots across the landscape, carried by rain-driven runoff and leaching. Because there isn’t one identifiable outlet, this is nonpoint-source pollution. Water can pick up pesticides on the surface from runoff, be carries soil with contaminated sediment through erosion, or carry dissolved pesticides that move with infiltrating groundwater into streams. Managing this type of pollution focuses on practices that reduce runoff and sediment transport, such as buffer strips, proper application timing and rates, and soil conservation measures.