Which type of pollutants can originate from sources that do not have a single point of origin?

Non-point source pollutants are characterized by their inability to be traced back to a single, identifiable source. Instead, they typically originate from multiple, diffuse sources and are often the result of runoff from rainfall or snowmelt. For example, agricultural runoff can carry fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment into nearby water bodies, while urban runoff can introduce oils, heavy metals, and other contaminants from roads and buildings. Because these pollutants come from numerous small sources, they can be more challenging to monitor and manage compared to point source pollutants, which are emitted from a specific location, such as a factory or wastewater treatment plant. Understanding this distinction is crucial in environmental management and pollution control efforts.