Question

Consider the location and distribution of this point source water pollution. Review the items listed here to choose the steps that correctly describe the processes involved in water pollution from a point source contaminant.
I. Water-soluble contaminant dissolves in groundwater and reaches the water table.
II. The contaminant will be transported by the slowly moving groundwater.
III. The distribution of the dissolved contaminant will take a characteristic plumelike shape.
IV. The contaminated groundwater is much larger than the initial point source site.
V. Contaminant plumes discharge into a nearby surface water body.
VI. Surface water carries contaminants far from the source.
Responses
A I, II, IV, VI, II, IV, V
B I, II, III, IVI, II, III, IV
C I, II, III, V, VII, II, III, V, VI
D All 6 steps should be included.

Answer 1

To correctly describe the processes involved in water pollution from a point source contaminant, the following steps should be included:

I. Water-soluble contaminant dissolves in groundwater and reaches the water table.
II. The contaminant will be transported by the slowly moving groundwater.
III. The distribution of the dissolved contaminant will take a characteristic plumelike shape.
IV. The contaminated groundwater is much larger than the initial point source site.
V. Contaminant plumes discharge into a nearby surface water body.
VI. Surface water carries contaminants far from the source.

Therefore, the correct response is:

D. All 6 steps should be included.