Which two of the following are considered pollutants found in wastewater?

Nitrogen and phosphorus are widely recognized as significant pollutants found in wastewater due to their potential to cause harmful environmental effects, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. When wastewater that is rich in these nutrients is discharged into bodies of water, it can lead to eutrophication, a process that promotes excessive growth of algae. This overgrowth can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to adverse impacts on fish and other aquatic life.

In the context of wastewater treatment, managing nitrogen and phosphorus levels is crucial to prevent these negative environmental outcomes. The control of these nutrients is often a key focus of different treatment processes, as they can contribute to water quality issues if not adequately removed before discharge.

In contrast, while copper and zinc can indeed be pollutants in certain situations, they are more commonly associated with industrial discharges rather than typical municipal wastewater. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals and are naturally occurring in water, often adding to hardness rather than serving as pollutants. Oxygen and hydrogen, fundamental elements, are not pollutants but rather are critical to various biochemical processes in water.