How are Contaminants Introduced into the Environment?
Contaminants can enter the environment through various pathways: - Natural Sources: Some contaminants are naturally occurring, such as radon gas or volcanic ash. - Human Activities: Industrial processes, agricultural practices, and urbanization can release contaminants. For example, pesticides from farming or pollutants from factories. - Accidental Spills: Incidents like oil spills or chemical leaks can introduce large amounts of contaminants in a short period.