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Which of the following are specifically human-made or human-induced substances that can contaminate groundwater?

A) Minerals
B) Organic Matter
C) Heavy Metals
D) Pesticides and Herbicides
E) Industrial Chemicals

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Human-made or human-induced substances that can contaminate groundwater include heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides, and industrial chemicals, all of which pose significant health risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specific human-made or human-induced substances that can contaminate groundwater include heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides, and industrial chemicals. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium can originate from industrial activities like mining and metallurgy, and have the potential to leach into groundwater, potentially leading to health risks due to biomagnification.

Pesticides and herbicides, used in agricultural practices, can also contaminate groundwater; their complex molecular structures affect their solubility and mobility, influencing their ability to reach drinking water sources. Lastly, a variety of industrial chemicals from commercial and industrial sources can contaminate groundwater, posing health risks to humans and ecosystems.

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