Coastal Environmental Extension
Nutrient Management
There are two main types of pollution that enter watersheds, point source and non-point source pollution. Point source pollution is well defined effluent discharged by way of a pipe, channel, or conduit. Non-point source pollution is storm water runoff accumulating from a broad area. The major point source contributors are municipal sewage plants, power plants, paper mills, feed lots, textiles, and mineral mining. Sources of non-point source pollution are runoff from urban areas, agriculture land, construction sites, and air pollution. Point sources of pollution are regulated through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to discharge into a water body. The discharged water often must be treated in order for its quality to comply with NPDES permit limitations before it is discharged. Non-point source pollution is harder to regulate, because it is difficult to define its source and it cannot be confined for application of standard water treatment technology. Moreover, it is difficult to impose regulations on parties responsible for it. The most feasible technique for minimizing non-point source pollution is by use of best management practices incorporated into agricultural, construction, and other sectors business plans. The best way to work with homeowners is through environmental education to assure that they understand the possible environmental impacts of products that they use in their lawns and gardens.
Presentations
- Boyd, C. A. 2009. Mississippi Master Naturalist Program Water Quality Sampling Activity. Mississippi State University Southeast District Fall 4-H Volunteer Leaders Forum, Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi, Mississippi.
- Boyd, C. A. 2011. Water Management Issues in the U.S. and Abroad. Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi, Mississippi.
Publications
For more information, contact: Dr. Chris Boyd