Which of the following best describes organic contaminants such as herbicides and insecticides?

• A. Metals
• B. Herbicides and insecticides
• C. Salts and minerals
• D. Gases

Answer: (B)

Organic contaminants are carbon-containing chemicals, often synthetic, that can end up in water. Herbicides and insecticides fit this category because they are carbon-based chemicals used to control weeds and pests. Metals, salts and minerals, and gases are inorganic, so they don’t describe organic contaminants. So describing herbicides and insecticides as organic contaminants is the best framing.