The example of logging removing trees from a hill and leaving a barren landscape can primarily be classified as sediment pollution. Here’s the rationale behind this classification:
- Sediment Pollution: When trees are removed, the soil is often left exposed and unprotected. Rainfall can lead to soil erosion, where loose soil is washed away into nearby waterways. This increase in sediment can cloud water bodies, affecting aquatic life by reducing the amount of light penetrating the water and smothering habitats.
While there might also be indirect implications related to nutrient and bacterial pollution due to changes in land use affecting runoff and water quality, the most immediate concern stemming from the logging activity described is sediment pollution due to soil erosion.
In summary, the key classification for this example is sediment pollution, with potential indirect effects on nutrient and bacterial levels.