Which term describes a toxic liquid formed when water passes through waste and carries pollutants?

Which term describes a toxic liquid formed when water passes through waste and carries pollutants?

• A. Gas produced by decomposing waste
• B. A toxic liquid formed when water passes through waste and carries pollutants
• C. A method of waste disposal
• D. A type of landfill liner

Answer: (C)

When rain or groundwater moves through waste, it picks up dissolved chemicals and pollutants, turning into a toxic liquid called leachate. This leachate poses a risk to groundwater and surface water if it escapes a landfill, so disposal sites use liners and leachate collection and treatment systems to keep it from contaminating the environment. The other options describe a gas produced by decay, a general waste-disposal method, or a barrier liner, none of which are liquids formed by water passing through waste.

When rain or groundwater moves through waste, it picks up dissolved chemicals and pollutants, turning into a toxic liquid called leachate. This leachate poses a risk to groundwater and surface water if it escapes a landfill, so disposal sites use liners and leachate collection and treatment systems to keep it from contaminating the environment. The other options describe a gas produced by decay, a general waste-disposal method, or a barrier liner, none of which are liquids formed by water passing through waste.