Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 1
Diffuse pollution-principles, definitions and
regulatory aspects
R. Hranova
ABSTRACT: Definitions and basic classifications of water pollution in
general and diffuse pollution in particular have been presented. The
“language” of water quality, or the basic characteristics, which define it
and allow the identification, assessment and control of pollution have
been listed and explained briefly. The process of diffuse pollution
generation has been described and the main sources mentioned, which
would be the basis for the implementation of source control measures.
Diffuse pollution is associated in most cases with polluted runoff and its
evaluation and control would rely heavily on the correct estimation of
runoff characteristics, therefore basic principles and methods in this
direction have been emphasized. Definitions and principles with respect to
regulatory instruments used to control and manage pollution, have been
presented and different approaches and philosophies applied
internationally in this field, have been discussed.
1 WATER POLLUTION
Water collects impurities from the moment of its formation in the clouds. Some are
harmless, others, may be offensive aesthetically or even dangerous with respect to the
intended use of the water. To establish the quality of water or to compare one type of
water with another, it is necessary to define a basis for evaluation and comparison.
Usually, this basis is defined in terms of the quality requirements for a specific beneficial
use of water. The basic types of beneficial uses could be defined as follows:
• Public use - domestic, commercial and institutional needs, irrigation of parks, washing
of streets and other public uses.
• Industrial use - water used for specific industrial processes, including that for the main
production process, and auxiliary processes such as cooling and washing of materials,
equipment, floors, etc.
• Recreational (contact) use - water in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, estuaries and the ocean,
used for water contact sports.
• Agricultural use - water used for irrigation of crops, pastures and other agricultural
activities, and live-stock watering;
• Environmental use - water used for the propagation of fish and as a habitat for aquatic
and wild life.
