Pollution aspects derived from non-point sources

This study was conducted for the purposes of discerning pollution potential for specifically defined types of storm runoff and for determination of whether non-point sources of pollution are great enough to be included in water pollution abatement programs. The Town of Blacksburg, Virginia, was the area of study with eleven sampling sites determined by size of drainage area and dominant land use existing within the drainage basin. Concentrations of specific water pollution parameters were measured for the runoff from each drainage area.

Conclusions drawn from this investigation are that nonpoint sources of pollution are serious sources of degradation to water quality, and proper land management is necessary if pollution abatement programs are to be successful. In addition, where man has disturbed a natural ecosystem by activities that severely reduce ground cover within a watershed, the greatest concentration in most pollution parameters was found.