Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox
Point Source Pollution
Point sources of pollutants can be traced back to a single, identifiable source such as a sewage treatment plant or factory. Point source pollutants can include chemical, nutrient, or physical pollutants (i.e., plastics) and can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Influx of pollutants and contaminants into freshwater sources can make drinking water unsafe, cause eutrophication, or massive die-offs of aquatic organisms if conditions become uninhabitable. Pollution issues span multiple disciplines, as research and answers lie in social and economic faculties as well as environmental. The distribution, monitoring, and possible management solutions for controlling point source pollutants in freshwater ecosystems are discussed here.
Rating:
Overall, both syntheses scored poorly in CEESAT demonstrating limitations in the rigour and the transparency in which the synthesis was conducted (i.e., no a-priori protocol, critical appraisal, or appropriate search strategy provided). Ayenew (2016) scored Green in one element for using a wide variety of source material to conduct the synthesis.
Iqbal et al. (2017) scored fairly well in RASCAT criteria, while most aspects of Ayenew (2016) could not be scored. Both syntheses were unable to demonstrate consideration of implications, practical advice, or recommendations for decision-makers.
Photo credit: Challenge Program on Water and Food
