Climate & Environment
Water Pollution
The introduction of substances or energy into water bodies at levels that degrade water quality, harm ecosystems or render water unfit for intended uses.
Definition
Water pollution is the contamination of surface water and groundwater by physical, chemical or biological agents — including nutrients, pathogens, chemicals, plastics, sediments and heat — from point sources such as discharges and diffuse sources such as agricultural runoff. It impairs ecosystem health and human uses of water.
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