Which water source would most likely have the highest concentration of dissolved iron and manganese?

Which water source would most likely have the highest concentration of dissolved iron and manganese?

• A. Canal
• B. Groundwater
• C. River
• D. Stream

Answer: (B)

Groundwater is known to typically have a higher concentration of dissolved iron and manganese compared to surface water sources like canals, rivers, and streams. This is primarily due to the geological formations and conditions through which groundwater moves. As groundwater flows through soil and rock, it dissolves minerals, including iron and manganese, which can be abundant in certain types of sediments and rocks. In contrast, surface water sources like canals, rivers, and streams are typically more exposed to atmospheric influences and are subject to dilution and oxidation processes which can lead to the precipitation of these minerals. In many aquifers, particularly those in reducing environments where oxygen is limited, iron and manganese can remain soluble, resulting in higher concentrations in groundwater compared to surface water. Therefore, the nature of groundwater exposure to mineral-rich deposits in the subsurface is what makes it most likely to contain elevated levels of dissolved iron and manganese.

Groundwater is known to typically have a higher concentration of dissolved iron and manganese compared to surface water sources like canals, rivers, and streams. This is primarily due to the geological formations and conditions through which groundwater moves. As groundwater flows through soil and rock, it dissolves minerals, including iron and manganese, which can be abundant in certain types of sediments and rocks.

In contrast, surface water sources like canals, rivers, and streams are typically more exposed to atmospheric influences and are subject to dilution and oxidation processes which can lead to the precipitation of these minerals. In many aquifers, particularly those in reducing environments where oxygen is limited, iron and manganese can remain soluble, resulting in higher concentrations in groundwater compared to surface water.

Therefore, the nature of groundwater exposure to mineral-rich deposits in the subsurface is what makes it most likely to contain elevated levels of dissolved iron and manganese.