Synthetic Organic Compounds are a group of pollutants, which include organophosphates, chlorinated hydrocarbons and PCBs, which produce both acute and chronic toxicity. These compounds are extremely resistant to biochemical breakdown and are very persistent. These substances can be monitored either directly or through the measurement of pH, conductivity, or biotoxicity. Sedimentation or Suspended Solids occur as a natural process of wind or water erosion. These impacts often include the smothering of plants and animals, increased turbidity, and decreased aesthetics.
Sedimentation is the biggest class of water pollutants.
Thermal pollution lowers dissolved oxygen. Radioactive Materials are byproducts of modern technology, and include power reactors, medical wastes and nuclear fallout. The impacts may be acute or chronic. Discharge pollutants at specific locations through pipes, ditches or sewers into bodies of water. Includes a wide range of organic and inorganic substances, including chemical spills, oil spills, illegal dumping of debris and discharge from wastewater treatment facilities, at which the source of entry into the water column can be accurately pinpointed.