The extent to which the environment can accommodate or tolerate pollutants.

the amount of pollution a self-cleaning body of water can tolerate.

The capacity of natural water to receive wastewaters or toxic materials without negative effects and without damage to aquatic life or humans who consume the water.

The capacity of natural water to receive wastewaters or toxic materials without negative effects and without damage to aquatic life or humans who consume the water.

The capacity of a natural body of water to receive wastewaters or toxic materials without deleterious effects and without damage to aquatic life or humans who consume the water.

The capacity of a natural body of water to receive wastewaters or toxic materials without deleterious effects and without damage to aquatic life or humans who consume the water.

The maximum amount of pollutants an environment can absorb without ill effect to beneficial uses. 

The difference between the baseline water quality concentration for a pollutant and the most stringent applicable water quality criterion for that pollutant.

in relation to a water body, means the ability of the water body to absorb contaminants while still meeting water quality standards after reasonable mixing.

the capacity of a natural body of water to receive and dilute wastewaters or toxic materials without damage to aquatic life or humans who consume the water.

The ability of a natural body of water to receive wastewaters or toxic materials without harmful effects and without damage to aquatic life.