Landfills are a way to manage trash by burying the trash underground. Modern landfills have a bottom layer of thick clay covered with a plastic liner. On top of the plastic liner, the landfill has pipes with holes that flow to collection tanks.

Question

Landfills are a way to manage trash by burying the trash underground. Modern landfills have a bottom layer of thick clay covered with a plastic liner. On top of the plastic liner, the landfill has pipes with holes that flow to collection tanks.

If a landfill lacked the clay, plastic, and pipes, how would the environment most likely be affected?
A
Rainwater would not absorb into the ground below the landfill.
B
Animals would be more attracted to the landfill due to odor.
C
Groundwater near the landfill would be polluted.
D
Garbage in the landfill would not be compacted.

Answer 1

C

Groundwater near the landfill would be polluted. Without the protective layers and collection system in place, the toxic substances from the garbage would seep into the surrounding groundwater, leading to pollution and potential harm to the environment and surrounding communities.