Which of the following is a common pollutant found in stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is a significant environmental concern, as it can carry a variety of pollutants into waterways and affect aquatic ecosystems. One of the most common pollutants found in stormwater runoff is sediment.

Sediment is primarily comprised of soil and organic matter that washes off of land surfaces during rain events. When land is disturbed—through construction, agriculture, or urban development—soil particles can easily be eroded and transported by stormwater. This sediment can cause numerous issues in aquatic environments, such as:

1. Water Quality Degradation: High sediment loads can reduce water clarity, which negatively impacts photosynthesis in aquatic plants and disrupts habitats for fish and other organisms.

2. Nutrient Transport: Sediment can also carry attached nutrients, such as phosphorus, which can lead to algal blooms when these inputs accumulate in water bodies.

3. Habitat Alteration: Excessive sediment can smother aquatic habitats, affecting species that depend on clean, stable substrates, particularly during critical life stages such as spawning.

Although nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals are also common pollutants found in stormwater runoff, sediment is particularly prevalent due to its association with erosion and land disturbance activities. Understanding the prevalence and impact of sediment in storm