What is a common source of groundwater contamination?

What is a common source of groundwater contamination?

• A. Atmospheric deposits
• B. Septic tanks and agricultural runoff
• C. Surface water evaporation
• D. Rainwater collection systems

Answer: (B)

The correct choice identifies septic tanks and agricultural runoff as common sources of groundwater contamination. Septic tanks can leak or fail, releasing pathogens, nutrients, and other pollutants into the surrounding soil, which can then migrate down into the groundwater. Agricultural runoff, which often contains fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, can also infiltrate into the soil and reach groundwater supplies, leading to elevated levels of nitrates and other harmful substances. In contrast, the other options do not represent direct sources of groundwater contamination. Atmospheric deposits refer to contaminants that settle from the air but do not directly enter groundwater in significant amounts. Surface water evaporation does not involve contamination of groundwater, as it merely describes a physical process. Rainwater collection systems can be designed to capture and utilize rainwater safely, and while they can pose risks if not properly maintained, they are not a primary source of groundwater contamination when functioning correctly.

The correct choice identifies septic tanks and agricultural runoff as common sources of groundwater contamination. Septic tanks can leak or fail, releasing pathogens, nutrients, and other pollutants into the surrounding soil, which can then migrate down into the groundwater. Agricultural runoff, which often contains fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, can also infiltrate into the soil and reach groundwater supplies, leading to elevated levels of nitrates and other harmful substances.

In contrast, the other options do not represent direct sources of groundwater contamination. Atmospheric deposits refer to contaminants that settle from the air but do not directly enter groundwater in significant amounts. Surface water evaporation does not involve contamination of groundwater, as it merely describes a physical process. Rainwater collection systems can be designed to capture and utilize rainwater safely, and while they can pose risks if not properly maintained, they are not a primary source of groundwater contamination when functioning correctly.