Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox
Non-point Source Pollution
Non-point sources of pollutants are not easily identifiable or traceable as they are released from a wide area, such as runoff from city streets. Non-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 non-point source pollutants in freshwater ecosystems are discussed here.
Rating:
Overall, syntheses scored poorly in CEESAT demonstrating limitations in the rigour and the transparency in which the syntheses were 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.
All syntheses scored fairly well under RASCAT criteria apart from the element regarding ability to demonstrate consideration of implications, practical advice, or recommendations for decision-makers, in which all syntheses scored poorly.
Photo credit: MPCA Photos
