Which of these is an example of land contamination?
A. Desertification
B. Garbage dump
C. Recycling bin
D. Deforestation
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Garbage dump.
Land contamination occurs when harmful substances are introduced into the land, leading to its degradation or pollution. This can result from various activities, including industrial, agricultural, and waste disposal practices. Among the options provided, a garbage dump is a direct example of land contamination. It involves the accumulation of waste materials such as plastics, metals, chemicals, and organic matter, many of which are toxic and take years to decompose. Over time, the waste can leach harmful substances into the soil and groundwater, causing contamination that affects both the environment and human health.
Desertification (option A) refers to the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically due to drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agricultural practices. While desertification is a form of land degradation, it is not specifically land contamination caused by pollutants.
A recycling bin (option C) is an item designed to collect materials like paper, glass, and plastic for recycling, which helps reduce waste and prevent contamination. Recycling programs aim to mitigate the environmental impact of waste, rather than contribute to contamination.
Deforestation (option D) involves the clearing of forests, which can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and altered water cycles. While it is an environmental concern, deforestation is not directly related to contamination from pollutants like a garbage dump.
In summary, land contamination involves the introduction of harmful substances that degrade the land, and a garbage dump is a prime example of this phenomenon.