What caused SuDS?
Based on the provided information, human-made suds (often referred to simply as 'suds') are primarily caused by the presence of certain substances in water bodies.
Human-made suds typically appear as foam on the surface of water. According to the reference, these are usually a result of:
- Chemical Runoff: This occurs when chemicals used on land surfaces are washed away by rain or irrigation and flow into nearby water sources.
- Industrial Discharge: This involves the release of substances from industrial processes into water systems.
These sources introduce chemical compounds into the water that reduce surface tension, leading to the formation of foam or suds.
Common Contributors to Suds
The reference highlights several specific substances that contribute to the formation of human-made suds:
- Soap: A common cause of suds, often from washing activities finding their way into drains or waterways.
- Paint: Can contain various chemicals that contribute to sudsing if improperly disposed of or washed into drainage systems.
- Pesticides: Chemicals used to control pests on lawns, fields, and other surfaces can be washed off by rain, leading to runoff that causes suds.
These substances originating from nearby lawns, fields, and impervious surfaces are key factors in the creation of human-made suds in water.
