Final answer:
Category 1 plants under SC drinking water regulations are likely to be involved in the removal of primary contaminants such as pathogens, mercury, arsenic, and uranium from water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The types of Category1plants under South Carolina drinking water regulations refer to primary contaminants, which are substances that can be toxic in small amounts. According to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations by the EPA, primary contaminants include pathogens, metals such as mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and uranium (U), and other inorganic chemicals.
These are different from secondary contaminants, which address aesthetic aspects of water like taste, color, and odor and include substances like iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Category 1 plants under these regulations would likely be involved in removing these primary contaminants to ensure water safety. Relevant species that may be used for water treatment to remove these contaminants could include aquatic plants like Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) or Myriophyllum spicatum, which have been known to absorb metals and other pollutants.