Which type of pollution can be caused by natural geological processes?

Natural pollution from rocks or soil can occur due to geological processes such as weathering and erosion. These processes can release minerals and trace elements into the environment, altering the natural balance of ecosystems. For instance, heavy metals like lead, arsenic, or mercury may leach from certain rock formations into the soil and water systems, creating pollution that can impact plant and animal health.

While air pollution from factories is primarily a result of human activities and typically involves emissions from industrial processes, water pollution from runoff often involves agricultural chemicals or urban pollutants rather than natural processes. Soil degradation from overuse is a result of human practices such as over-farming or land development, which depletes soil nutrients and structure, rather than a natural occurrence. Thus, the option highlighting natural pollution linked to geological processes accurately reflects how certain materials can naturally leach into the environment without human intervention.