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.

Question

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.