Final answer:
Possible causes of pollution from the sewage treatment plant in the Potomac River include overflow of untreated sewage, leakage or discharge of pollutants from the treatment plant, and improper handling of waste materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pollution of the Potomac River from the sewage treatment plant can be caused by several factors.
- One possible cause is the overflow of untreated sewage during heavy rain. Combined sewer systems, which collect both sewage and stormwater runoff, can be overwhelmed during heavy rains, resulting in the discharge of untreated sewage into the river.
- Another cause is the leakage or discharge of pollutants from the sewage treatment plant itself. If there are issues with the treatment processes or infrastructure, pollutants can escape and enter the river.
- Additionally, pollution can occur from the improper handling of waste materials, such as chemicals or hazardous substances, at the sewage treatment plant.