Final answer:
Soil erosion is a public concern because it has negative effects on various areas such as urban lands, irrigation canals, hydroelectric equipment and water quality, farmland, and bottomlands. Hence, the correct answer is option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soil erosion is a public concern because it has negative effects on various areas such as urban lands, irrigation canals, hydroelectric equipment and water quality, farmland, and bottomlands. Urban lands can be affected by soil erosion through the loss of fertile topsoil, which can impact the growth of vegetation and cause structural damage to buildings. Irrigation canals, hydroelectric equipment, and water quality can all be impacted by soil erosion as it can lead to sedimentation, clogging the canals and affecting water flow and quality.
Farmland is susceptible to soil erosion, which can lead to a decline in soil productivity and the loss of topsoil, impacting crop growth. Soil erosion can also affect bottomlands by contributing to sedimentation in rivers and lakes, leading to changes in the flow of water and potentially impacting aquatic ecosystems.