Virginia Registered Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The choice involving the movement of pesticides into streams after a broadcast application represents an example of environmental contaminants from a non-point source because it describes a diffuse source of pollution rather than a single, identifiable point of discharge. Non-point sources are characterized by their widespread and variable nature, as pollutants are carried off by precipitation or runoff from large areas of land, making it difficult to trace them back to a specific origin.

When pesticides are applied over a large agricultural area, they can wash away with rain or irrigation, leading to contamination in nearby water bodies without a distinct discharge point. This contrasts with point source contaminants, such as factory discharges or wastewater treatment facilities, which have a specific location where pollutants are introduced into the environment. Understanding the differences between these sources is crucial for effective environmental management and pollution control strategies.