North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Non-point source pollution refers to contamination that does not come from a single, identifiable source. Instead, it originates from diffuse sources and often accumulates as runoff from various locations. An example of this type of pollution related to pesticides would be pesticides that dissolve and move after rainfall.

When it rains, water can carry pesticides that have been applied to fields or urban landscapes. These chemicals can then enter waterways or soil, affecting ecosystems without a specific point of origin. This is in contrast to point source pollution, which can be traced back to a particular location, such as a factory discharge or a specific spill during transportation. Therefore, the movement of pesticides through runoff after rainfall is characteristic of non-point source pollution, making it an important issue in understanding how agricultural practices can impact environmental quality.