Below is a summary of most common air, water and soil pollutants.
Water Pollutants (1)
Organic water pollutants:
- Insecticides and herbicides, a range of organohalide
- Bacteria from livestock operations
- Food processing waste incl. pathogens
- Tree debris from logging operations
- VOCs including solvents and hydrocarbons
- Dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) such as chlorinated solvents
- Detergents and chemical compounds found in cosmetics products
Inorganic water pollutants:
- Heavy metals
- Acidity caused by industrial discharges such as sulfur dioxide by power plants
- Chemical waste
- Fertilizers from agricultural use
- Silt from construction sites, logging, slash and burn operation
Soil Pollutants (Contaminants) (2)
Last update: April 2008
