Which of the following statements provides the best explanation of what happens to chemicals that pollute aquifers? a. anaerobic bacteria quickly break down the chemical pollutants once the source of the pollution is removed. b. water that comes into the aquifer quickly dilutes the chemicals once the source of the pollution is removed. c. the chemicals quickly seep from the water into the surrounding bedrock once the source of the pollution is removed. d. chemical pollutants remain in the aquifer for a long time because the lack of oxygen prevents bacteria from breaking them down.

The correct answer is D) chemical pollutants remain in the aquifer for a long time because the lack of oxygen prevents bacteria from breaking them down.

The statement that provides the best explanation of what happens to chemicals that pollute aquifers is “chemical pollutants remain in the aquafier for a long time because the lack of oxygen prevents bacteria from breaking them down.  

An aquifer is a layer of rock or soil that holds water underground. Industrialization and modern living represent a risk to the environment if there is not enough control of pollutant substances. Chemicals pollute water and rock sediments underground lakes and oceans because chemical pollutants remain in the aquifer for a long time because the lack of oxygen prevents bacteria from breaking them down.  

a variant spelling of the word dote (british)