Industry plays a major role in point source pollution. Industrial wasterwater and discharges include oils, greases, metals, chemicals, such as PCB's and pesticides, and debris that eventually head into the Cuyahoga River. Oil spills and dumping also play a major role in point source pollution. Spilled grease, oil, and other hazardous substances from overturned trucks and leaking cars have a major impact by eventually running into rivers and sewers. Also, the disposal of used motor oil and grease affects the water by going into a storm sewer which can overflow into the river, or it will go directly into the river.
Thermal pollution decreases the water s ability to hold oxygen.
Nonpoint pollution occurs when the source of pollution can not be easily pinpointed. The Cuyahoga River serves as a dump for wastes. Bacteria levels increase in the Cuyahoga River following heavy rainfalls because of wastes upstream. Sediment in the Cuyahoga River can be destructive. Sediments come from highly traveled, unvegetated, open space, abused stream banks, modification of streams and wetlands, other water bodies, high-till farming that make soil erode, decomposing material, and dredging for large ships to travel.