Point source pollution indicators

Abstract

Point source is a pollution input that can be related to a single outlet, such as untreated, or inadequately treated, sewage disposal (domestic/industrial). Sewage is most likely the major point source of the pollution of the world’s waters, while other point sources include mines and industrial effluents. Point sources are confined and characterized by a relatively constant discharge over time of certain pollutants that can be used as indicators. In the case of human sewage, several microbial indicators have been suggested for freshwater sources, while for marine waters used as recreational sites several marine organisms (mussels or shrimps) have also been suggested as such.