Which of the following pollutants is commonly found in urban stormwater runoff?

• A. Fertilizers and pesticides
• B. Wood shavings
• C. Glass shards
• D. Textiles

Answer: (A)

Urban stormwater runoff is a significant concern for environmental management because it can carry various pollutants into nearby water bodies. One of the most common pollutants found in urban areas is fertilizers and pesticides. These substances are frequently used in residential and commercial landscapes for lawn care, gardening, and pest control. When it rains, these chemicals can wash off the surfaces and enter the stormwater drainage systems, ultimately leading to waterways.

Fertilizers and pesticides contribute to nutrient pollution and can cause problems such as algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. This makes them a primary focus for stormwater management practices aimed at reducing pollution.

While wood shavings, glass shards, and textiles could be found in some urban runoff scenarios, they do not represent the widespread and consistently problematic pollutants that fertilizers and pesticides do. Therefore, understanding the prevalence and impact of fertilizers and pesticides in urban stormwater is crucial for effective pollution prevention strategies.