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Where does all the water go? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in a typical wetland environment, 36% of the water is outflow; 47% is seepage; 6% evaporates; and 11% remains as water volume in the ecosystem (Reference: United States Environmental Protection Agency Case Studies Report 832-R-93-005). Chloride compounds as residuals from residential areas are a problem for wetlands. Suppose that in a particular wetland environment the following concentrations (mg/l) of chloride compounds were found: outflow, 74.0; seepage, 73.4; remaining due to evaporation, 40.0; in the water volume, 46.8.

A. Outflow: 36.0%, Seepage: 47.0%, Evaporation: 6.0%, Water Volume: 11.0%
B. Outflow: 47.0%, Seepage: 6.0%, Evaporation: 11.0%, Water Volume: 36.0%
C. Outflow: 74.0%, Seepage: 73.4%, Evaporation: 40.0%, Water Volume: 46.8%
D. Outflow: 11.0%, Seepage: 36.0%, Evaporation: 47.0%, Water Volume: 6.0%

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct answer is option A, which reflects the percentages of water distribution in a wetland environment, with 36% as outflow, 47% as seepage, 6% evaporated, and 11% retained as water volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is option A: Outflow: 36.0%, Seepage: 47.0%, Evaporation: 6.0%, Water Volume: 11.0%. In a typical wetland environment, water distribution through various processes such as outflow, seepage, evaporation, and water volume retention is critical to maintaining ecosystem dynamics. Outflow refers to the water that leaves the ecosystem through streams or other drainage systems. Seepage indicates water that is absorbed into the ground and contributes to groundwater. Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor and leaving the surface of the wetland, while the water volume is the water that remains within the wetland's system.

The information provided states that in a typical wetland environment, 36% of the water is outflow, 47% is seepage, 6% evaporates, and 11% remains as water volume in the ecosystem. The concentrations of chloride compounds found in this specific wetland environment are as follows: outflow: 74.0mg/l, seepage: 73.4mg/l, remaining due to evaporation: 40.0mg/l, and in the water volume: 46.8mg/l. Based on these concentrations, it can be concluded that the highest concentration of chloride compounds is found in the outflow (47.0%), followed by seepage (6.0%), water volume (36.0%), and evaporation (11.0%).

Groundwater plays a crucial role in the water cycle by moving from areas of higher elevation to lower elevation. This movement helps in purifying the water but also spreads pollutants. Water contributes to ecosystem dynamics in significant ways, and the presence of water is essential for all living processes. The cycle of water evaporation and precipitation balances the Earth's water reservoirs, but the increasing demand for fresh water and risks of contamination are challenges that continue to exist.

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