Which of the following is a primary source of volatile organic chemical (VOC) contamination of water?

The primary source of volatile organic chemical (VOC) contamination of water is industrial solvents. VOCs are organic compounds that can evaporate easily into the air, and they are commonly found in various industrial applications. Many industrial solvents contain VOCs, which can leach into water sources through spills, improper disposal, or atmospheric deposition that subsequently contaminates surface water or groundwater.

Industrial solvents are widely used in manufacturing processes, cleaning agents, and chemical formulations, making them significant contributors to VOC pollution. Their presence in water can lead to serious environmental problems and health risks, so monitoring and regulation are crucial to protect water quality.

In contrast, while agricultural pesticides can contain VOCs, their primary mechanism of contamination often relates to runoff and surface application rather than the direct release common with industrial solvents. Acid rain can lead to other water quality issues, including acidity and nutrient leaching, but it is not primarily associated with VOCs. Agricultural fertilizers, on the other hand, primarily contribute to nutrient pollution (like nitrogen and phosphorus) rather than VOC contamination, as they mainly consist of inorganic and organic nitrogenous compounds.