What type of pollution does sediment in stormwater primarily contribute to?

Sediment in stormwater predominantly contributes to physical pollution. This is because physical pollution refers to the introduction of materials such as soil, sand, and silt into natural water bodies. When stormwater runoff occurs, it can transport these sediments from urban, agricultural, or disturbed areas into rivers, lakes, and streams. The increased sediment load can lead to a range of environmental issues, such as decreased water clarity, altered habitats for aquatic organisms, and increased erosion.

Understanding the role of sediment in stormwater is crucial for water quality management and environmental protection efforts. In contrast, biological pollution involves the introduction of harmful microorganisms, chemical pollution relates to toxins or harmful substances, and nutrient pollution encompasses excessive nutrients that can lead to algal blooms. While sediment may indirectly affect nutrients and biological communities, its primary classification aligns with physical pollution due to its nature as a particulate matter affecting the physical characteristics of water bodies.