Final answer:
Water pollution from rainwater carrying toxins from mines is typically called runoff or Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). This form of pollution involves rainwater percolating through mine wastes, disseminating acid and toxic elements into water sources. Groundwater contamination can result from such activities and resolving the contamination can be a complex process.
Step-by-step explanation:
A form of water pollution coming from the rainwater carrying toxins out of mines and mine wastes is known as run-off or leaching from abandoned mines, often leading to a specific type of pollution called Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). This occurs when rainwater percolates through mine wastes, picking up acid and toxic elements before flowing into nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater. In the broader context of water pollution, this type of contamination can also come from nonpoint sources, which are diffuse areas such as agricultural fields or urban areas contributing pollutants, including herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to the runoff that eventually reaches water bodies.
Groundwater contamination is a related issue, where pollutants make their way into the groundwater systems. This contamination can be the result of both natural and human activities. The cleanup process for contaminated water, whether surface water or groundwater, may be complex, involving natural methods such as exposure to sunlight, aeration, and the action of microorganisms, but it can be a slow and challenging process.
Pollution prevention and control measures are essential to reduce the environmental impact of mining activities and urban runoff, ensuring the safety of water resources, both for ecological health and human consumption.