Question
Conserving the quality of available water is a high priority world-wide. There are many countries whose water supply is reaching dangerous levels of contamination. For example, the longest river in China, the Yangtze, is less than 5 years from death if nothing changes. The statements below are possible effects on the environment if the Yangtze dies, which one is a positive effect on the environment?
Responses
A The loss of biodiversity in the area could permanently damage the ecosystems in area.The loss of biodiversity in the area could permanently damage the ecosystems in area.
B Loss of this river could stress the other water supplies in surrounding areas causing a domino effect.Loss of this river could stress the other water supplies in surrounding areas causing a domino effect.
C The Yangtze empties into the Sea of Shanghai, which may lead to serious problems in this important body of water.The Yangtze empties into the Sea of Shanghai, which may lead to serious problems in this important body of water.
D Since the pollution in the water is high in organic material, it will eventually decompose and make the area more fertile.
Responses
A The loss of biodiversity in the area could permanently damage the ecosystems in area.The loss of biodiversity in the area could permanently damage the ecosystems in area.
B Loss of this river could stress the other water supplies in surrounding areas causing a domino effect.Loss of this river could stress the other water supplies in surrounding areas causing a domino effect.
C The Yangtze empties into the Sea of Shanghai, which may lead to serious problems in this important body of water.The Yangtze empties into the Sea of Shanghai, which may lead to serious problems in this important body of water.
D Since the pollution in the water is high in organic material, it will eventually decompose and make the area more fertile.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The response that can be considered a positive effect on the environment is:
**D** Since the pollution in the water is high in organic material, it will eventually decompose and make the area more fertile.
While this is a very small or indirect positive outcome amidst overall negative effects, it is the only statement that suggests a potential enrichment of the soil through the decomposition of organic material.
**D** Since the pollution in the water is high in organic material, it will eventually decompose and make the area more fertile.
While this is a very small or indirect positive outcome amidst overall negative effects, it is the only statement that suggests a potential enrichment of the soil through the decomposition of organic material.