Which of the following is a form of point source pollution?

Point source pollution refers to contaminants that can be traced back to a single, identifiable source. Waste discharged from a factory fits this definition perfectly, as the pollutants can originate from a specific location and are often released through a defined outlet, such as a pipe or discharge point. This makes it easier to monitor and regulate, as the source of the pollution is well-defined.

In contrast, runoff from urban areas typically involves a mix of pollutants that gather from various surfaces and are washed away during rainfall, lacking a single identifiable source. Similarly, pesticides spread over large agricultural fields represent a non-point source pollution since they can be distributed over wide areas, making it difficult to pinpoint their origin. Dust particles in the wind also do not stem from a single source; they can arise from numerous natural and human-made processes, contributing to air pollution in varying locations. Thus, the nature of waste discharged from a factory distinctly categorizes it as point source pollution.