Final answer:
Parasitic worms are a type of water pollutant classified as a pathogen. They are larger disease-causing organisms that can lead to various waterborne diseases, often stemming from inadequate sewage treatment. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classification of Parasitic Worms as Water Pollutants
Parasitic worms would be classified as a type of water pollutant known as a pathogen. Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms or organisms, which also include viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. They are responsible for various intestinal diseases such as dysentery, typhoid fever, and cholera. Parasitic worms, like the Schistosoma worm, while larger than many other pathogens, also fall into this category. Such waterborne pathogens come primarily from human and animal fecal waste due to inadequate sewage treatment.
In areas with limited access to advanced sewage systems, these harmful organisms can contaminate water sources, leading to a high risk of waterborne diseases. Developed countries also struggle with pathogen pollution as a result of combined sewer overflows, poorly managed livestock farms, and damaged sewage infrastructure. Solutions to this form of pollution include treating the water with chlorine, boiling, or ensuring proper treatment of sewage before it's released into the environment.