What term describes toxins like acids and metals in water?

• A. Organic Chemicals
• B. Inorganic Chemicals
• C. Plant Nutrients
• D. Nitrate Standards

Answer: (B)

In water quality, pollutants are grouped by their chemical nature. Toxins like acids and metals are classified as inorganic chemicals because they do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and are typically mineral in origin. Acids dissociate to release hydrogen ions and anions, while metals exist as metal ions in solution. This distinction helps guide how they’re managed in water treatment, often requiring methods like pH control or ion exchange to remove inorganic contaminants. Organic chemicals, by contrast, are carbon-based compounds such as pesticides and solvents, which behave differently in treatment. Plant nutrients are essential elements (like nitrate and phosphate) that can be problematic at high levels but aren’t described as toxins in the same way, and nitrate standards refer to regulatory limits rather than a chemical class. Hence the best term for acids and metals in water is inorganic chemicals.