What is considered natural pollution?

Natural pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the environment that originate from natural processes rather than human activities. Rocks or soil components that contain harmful metals or substances fit this definition, as they can leach or erode over time, releasing these metals naturally into the surrounding environment. This type of pollution occurs without direct human interference and is often a result of geological processes, such as weathering or mineralization.

In contrast, waste from human activities, chemicals leaked from industrial sites, and pesticide residues are all forms of pollution directly linked to human practices and interventions. These options represent anthropogenic sources of pollution that result from industrial processes, agricultural practices, or other human-created materials, and thus do not qualify as natural pollution. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in environmental science, particularly in assessing pollution sources and their impacts on ecosystems.