Which source water is most likely to contain iron and manganese?

Which source water is most likely to contain iron and manganese?

• A. Lakes And Rivers
• B. Wells And Springs
• C. Reservoirs
• D. Groundwater Under The Influence Of Surface Water

Answer: (B)

Iron and manganese are common dissolved contaminants in groundwater because they come from minerals in the aquifer and stay dissolved under the low-oxygen, reducing conditions typical of groundwater. Wells and springs draw water from this groundwater, so they are more likely to carry these dissolved metals. Surface waters like lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are more exposed to air and sunlight, which promotes oxidation and removal of dissolved iron and manganese, leading to lower levels of the reduced forms in the water. Groundwater under the influence of surface water can vary, but the traditional source most likely to contain iron and manganese is wells and springs.

Iron and manganese are common dissolved contaminants in groundwater because they come from minerals in the aquifer and stay dissolved under the low-oxygen, reducing conditions typical of groundwater. Wells and springs draw water from this groundwater, so they are more likely to carry these dissolved metals. Surface waters like lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are more exposed to air and sunlight, which promotes oxidation and removal of dissolved iron and manganese, leading to lower levels of the reduced forms in the water. Groundwater under the influence of surface water can vary, but the traditional source most likely to contain iron and manganese is wells and springs.