IB ESS HL 4.4.1 Water Pollution Sources Question Bank
Identify point and non-point sources and trace pollutants into water systems.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify the aquatic-system process or pollution indicator
- apply the relevant conservation, quality or management model
- evaluate ecological and human trade-offs from evidence
4.4.1—Water pollution sources question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Outline two point sources and two non-point sources of water pollution in a city.
Point sources [2 max]:
a. Factories/manufacturing plants may release pollutants directly into water bodies;
b. Inadequately treated sewage and wastewater from treatment plants can contain pollutants and be released directly into water bodies;
c. Accidental spills of oil/petroleum products from pipelines/storage tanks/tankers;
d. Improper disposal of hazardous waste/garbage/chemicals into storm drains or waterways.
Non-point sources [2 max]:
a. Urban runoff can carry litter/oil/chemicals from streets/parking lots/rooftops into storm drains/water bodies;
b. Urban greenspace runoff can carry excess fertilizers/pesticides from agricultural activities into rivers and streams;
c. Sediment/debris/construction materials from building sites can be washed into water bodies;
d. Urbanization/land development can increase impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, reducing natural infiltration/increasing surface runoff that can carry pollutants into waterways, impacting water quality in the city;
Note to examiners: Accept any other relevant example to those given.
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