Pollutants
Among the many pollutants can cause harm to our
stormwater are the following:
Sediments
(dirt)
- Reduces light penetration and affects
photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to use
light as their source of energy
- Makes waterways cloudy and can suffocate fish by
clogging their gills
- Destroys aquatic
habitats
- Can clog ditches, culverts, and drainage pipes and
create potential for flooding
Nutrients (fertilizers, yard waste)
- Nutrients are compounds that stimulate plant
growth, like nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients are
beneficial and necessary, but in high concentrations
can become an environmental threat
- Cause algae blooms, when the algae dies off, it
sinks and decomposes in a process that removes oxygen,
killing fish and plant life
(eutrophication)
Pathogens (human and animal waste)
- Pathogens are disease-causing micro-organisms, such
as bacteria and viruses, causing health problems to
humans, wildlife and plant life
Toxic contaminants (oils, grease, pesticides)
- These substances can harm the health of aquatic
life and/or human beings
- Many toxins are resistant to breakdown and tend to
be passed through the food chain
- Toxins are created by a wide variety of human
practices and products, and include heavy metals,
pesticides and organic
compounds
Debris
- Trash is the simplest type of pollution to
understand—it interferes with the enjoyment of
our water
resources
- Plastic bags, six pack rings, bottles, and
cigarette butts washed into our water bodies can choke,
suffocate, or disable aquatic life like birds, fish,
and
turtles
- When trash decays it can become an environmental
concern
