Rainwater in the storm drainage systems.

Major pollutants Atmospheric pollutants

Air pollution is the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates, or biological materials that cause discomfort, disease, or death to humans, damage other living organisms, or damage the natural environment. A substance in the air that can be harmful to humans and the environment is known as an air pollutant. Pollutants can be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. In addition, they may be natural or man-made. Pollutants can be classified as primary or secondary. Usually, primary pollutants are directly emitted from a process, such as ash from a volcanic eruption, the carbon monoxide gas from a motor vehicle exhaust or sulphur dioxide released from factories. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Rather, they form in the air when primary pollutants react or interact. Six common air pollutants are: Ozone, Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Dioxide and Lead. Urban pollutants

The pollution caused by various sources usually found in the cities (like cars, factories etc.) is called urban pollution.

Causes:
Runoff water from buildings, streets and sidewalks carries many pollutants including: sediment, nutrients, bacteria, oil, metals, chemicals, road salt and pet droppings. Cars, refineries, power plants and other contaminant emitting sources send pollutants into the air that eventually settle in water. Some businesses and industries don't dispose of waste properly and dump pollutants directly into waterways. This takes away nature's ability to filter out contaminants before they end up in larger bodies of water.

Effects:
Contaminated runoff kills aquatic life. Metals and other toxins are absorbed in the flesh of fish and are dangerous when eaten. Bacteria, parasites and chemical toxins contaminate recreation areas and drinking water, which cause major illness and sometimes death. Most streams, lakes and coastal waters surrounding large cities are too polluted for people to use.

Solutions:

Keep roadways and walkways swept and clear of soil, grass and debris.

Get involved in neighborhood cleanups. Write or call your elected representative and urge them to write legislation that protects natural watersheds from development and to develop plans for managing and controlling runoff and pollution. Recycle oil, antifreeze, batteries, fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals and materials as much as possible. Businesses should follow Best Management Practices for controlling pollution, runoff and waste disposal. Limit the use of your car and maintain it for leaks. When cleaning your car, use a commercial car wash. Clean up after pets and dispose of droppings in the trash or toilet. Never dump anything into the ground or street and don't allow anything other than rain water to flow into storm drains