All questions of Pollution for UPSC CSE Exam

Point source pollution refers to the release of pollutants from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe, chimney, or drain. It is called "point source" because the pollution can be traced back to a specific point of origin. Among the given options, the discharge from a factory piped is the best example of point source pollution. Let's explore this answer in detail.

Definition of Point Source Pollution:
Point source pollution refers to the contamination of the environment through the discharge of pollutants from a single, identifiable source. These sources typically have a distinct point of origin, such as an industrial facility, wastewater treatment plant, or power plant. The pollutants are discharged directly into a body of water, land, or air through pipes, drains, or chimneys.

Explanation of the Example:
The discharge from a factory piped is a classic example of point source pollution. Here's why:

1. Identifiable Source:
In this case, the factory serves as the identifiable source of pollution. The pollutants are released from the factory through a specific pipe or drainage system. This makes it easy to identify the source of pollution.

2. Direct Release:
The pollutants are directly discharged into a body of water or land through the factory's pipe system. The discharge is controlled and regulated, allowing for the easy tracking and monitoring of the pollution.

3. Traceability:
Since the factory's discharge is channeled through a specific pipe, it becomes relatively straightforward to trace the pollution back to its source. This traceability is a defining characteristic of point source pollution.

4. Environmental Impact:
The discharge from a factory can contain various pollutants, such as heavy metals, chemicals, or organic waste. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on the environment and surrounding ecosystems, including water pollution, soil contamination, and harm to aquatic life.

Conclusion:
In summary, the discharge from a factory piped is an example of point source pollution because it originates from an identifiable source, is directly released through a specific pipe system, can be easily traced back to the factory, and has a significant environmental impact. It is important to regulate and manage such pollution sources to minimize their adverse effects on the environment.