Environmental Contaminants Contaminants 101

What are the Sources of Contamination?

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Contaminants enter the environment in many different ways; disposal of municipal wastes, factory discharges, and oil or chemical spills are a few examples. These examples are considered forms of "point source" (or "end of the pipe") pollution because their origin is easily recognized.

In many cases, the origin of pollution may not be as clear. For example, agricultural pesticides can be carried by runoff, or enter an aquifer, and end up contaminating a stream dozens of miles away. Pollutants can also be carried for long distances through the air and deposited on land and in water by rain. Such examples are called "non-point source" pollution. Pollution from non-point sources can contaminate areas that may appear to be relatively untouched. For example, in New Mexico over 20 water-bodies have advisories against consumption of fish due to contaminant problems.

We are still learning what happens to contaminants once they enter the environment and the effects they have not only on fish, wildlife, and their habitat, but also on human health. It is often years, if not decades, before we may become aware that a chemical is having a harmful effect on our natural resources and, even if its use is banned, it may continue to persist in the environment for a very long time.

Air Contamination Sources in New Mexico

Power plants
Metal smelters
Industrial emissions
Diesel trucks, automobiles and small-engines
Oil and gas extraction and processing

Terrestrial Contamination Sources in New Mexico

Pesticide and herbicide application in agricultural areas
Hazardous waste generating infrastructure
Oil and gas extraction and processing
Mines (metals, coal, sand/gravel, potash/salt, uranium)
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) sludge application

Aquatic Contamination Sources in New Mexico

Pesticide and herbicide application in agricultural areas
Municipal storm-water and WWTPs
Mines (metals, coal, sand/gravel, potash/salt, uranium)
Habitat alteration resulting in increased Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution
Power plant and metal smelter emissions

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