Sediment pollution sources?

Sediment pollution sources?

• A. Construction, Agriculture, and Deforestation
• B. Construction
• C. Agriculture
• D. Deforestation

Answer: (C)

Sediment pollution in waterways mainly arises from soil erosion that carries fine particles into streams and lakes. Agricultural practices expose and disturb large areas of soil, and when rain falls, bare or recently tilled fields shed soil that is then washed into nearby water bodies. This sediment increases turbidity, smothers aquatic habitats, and can transport attached nutrients or pesticides. Construction and deforestation also contribute sediment—earthmoving on construction sites and loss of protective vegetation from deforestation can raise erosion—but these sources are typically more localized or episodic and often mitigated with controls. Because farming often covers vast areas year after year and keeps soil exposed for extended periods, it tends to be the most widespread and consistent source of sediment pollution, making it the best answer.

Sediment pollution in waterways mainly arises from soil erosion that carries fine particles into streams and lakes. Agricultural practices expose and disturb large areas of soil, and when rain falls, bare or recently tilled fields shed soil that is then washed into nearby water bodies. This sediment increases turbidity, smothers aquatic habitats, and can transport attached nutrients or pesticides. Construction and deforestation also contribute sediment—earthmoving on construction sites and loss of protective vegetation from deforestation can raise erosion—but these sources are typically more localized or episodic and often mitigated with controls. Because farming often covers vast areas year after year and keeps soil exposed for extended periods, it tends to be the most widespread and consistent source of sediment pollution, making it the best answer.