Which factor increases the chance of pollution travel?

Prepare for the Ohio Sanitarian Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations for each answer to get ready for your exam. Increase your confidence and pass with ease!

The correct answer highlights that all the listed factors can contribute to an increased chance of pollution travel. Each of these elements affects the soil's ability to retain or filter pollutants.

Acidic soil conditions can lead to the leaching of soil nutrients and contaminants. When the pH of the soil is low, heavy metals and other pollutants are more soluble, allowing them to migrate more easily through the soil and into groundwater or surface water. This emphasizes the importance of pH in soil management practices.

The presence of organic materials also plays a crucial role in soil health. Organic matter helps to bind soil particles together, enhancing soil structure and increasing water retention. When organic material is lacking, soil tends to be more erodible and less effective at holding onto pollutants, which can facilitate their spread.

Elements like iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and carbon (C) are essential for various biochemical processes in soil. A deficiency in these elements can lead to less biological activity, which reduces the soil's ability to degrade or immobilize pollutants. For example, microorganisms that break down contaminants rely on these nutrients to thrive. Without adequate levels of these elements, pollution can move more freely through the soil.

Thus, the combination of acidic conditions, the absence of organic materials

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