The report describes the results of a program to identify, rank and project short- and intermediate-term future pollution problems. Identification was accomplished using three independent search approaches based on industrial production, environmental, and societal trends and activity. Nine ranking factors were devised to select ten most serious problems from the initial list. The factors included: persistence; mobility/pervasiveness; environmental, technological, social, and political complexity; physiological risk; research needs; and bulk or volume of the pollutant. The ten selected problems in rank order are as follows: Impacts of new energy initiatives; geophysical modifications of the earth; trace element (metal) contaminants; proliferating hazardous and toxic chemicals; emissions from new automobile fuels, additives, and control devices; disposal of waste sludges, liquids, and solid residues; critical radiation problems; fine particulates; expanding drinking water contamination; and irrigation practices. Five to ten year projections were made of the ten problems which resulted.

"March 1974." "Contract No. 68-01-1837." "(Program Element 1HA095)." "Project Officer James R. Hibbs, Implementation Research Division, Washington Environmental Research Center." "Prepared for Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Includes bibliographical references.