Question

A farmer has just tested his well, and it has high alkalinity, which can affect a plant's ability to absorb water. which of the following best explains the source of this problem?

a. an algal bloom in a nearby pond is leaching into the watershed.
b. the groundwater is flowing through rocks containing carbonates
c. acidic rain in the region is seeping into the groundwater
d. nitrates from fertilizer have been poured into the groundwater

Answer 1

The high alkalinity in the farmer's well is most likely caused by the groundwater flowing through carbonate minerals, which is a natural geochemical process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The source of high alkalinity in the farmer's well water is most likely due to the groundwater flowing through rocks containing carbonates. As water moves through soils and rocks that contain carbonates, these minerals dissolve and contribute to the water's alkalinity, increasing its pH level. This process is a natural occurrence rather than a result of pollution from a point source such as an algal bloom or acidic rain seeping into the groundwater. In contrast, the presence of nitrates in water typically stems from human activities such as the use of fertilizers on agricultural fields that can lead to nutrient pollution and eutrophication, but this contributes to the nutrient load rather than directly influencing water's alkalinity. Understanding the geochemistry of local rock formations can provide insight into potential changes in groundwater chemistry.