Lakes are less prone to getting polluted than rivers

29. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as

Assertion A and the other is labeled as Reason R

Assertion A: Lakes are less prone to getting polluted than rivers

Reason R: Water in lakes gets replaced through natural processes

In light of the above statements, choose the most

appropriate answer from the options given below A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation

of A B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct

explanation of A

C. A is correct but R is not correctAssertion A: Lakes are less prone to getting polluted than rivers.
Reason R: Water in lakes gets replaced through natural processes.

The correct answer is indeed:

D. A is correct, but R is not correct.

Explanation:

While Assertion A is true, stating that lakes are generally less prone to pollution than rivers due to factors like slower flow and larger volume, Reason R is not a correct explanation. The statement that water in lakes gets replaced through natural processes is not accurate. The primary source of water replacement in lakes is precipitation (rainfall), rather than general “natural processes.” Therefore, Assertion A is correct, but Reason R is not correct.

Certainly! Here’s an easy example to explain why lakes are generally less prone to getting polluted than rivers:

Imagine you have two water bodies, a lake, and a river, located in the same area. Now let’s consider a scenario where pollutants are released into both the lake and the river.

In the case of the river, the flowing water carries the pollutants downstream. As the river flows, it can transport pollutants over long distances, affecting multiple areas along its course. Additionally, the continuous movement of the water can disperse and dilute the pollutants to some extent. However, it also means that the pollutants have a higher chance of reaching various locations and potentially affecting a larger population and ecosystem.

On the other hand, when pollutants are released into a lake, the still or slow-moving water allows for less dispersion and dilution. The pollutants tend to stay within the confines of the lake, affecting a relatively smaller area. The limited flow and smaller surface area of the lake make it easier to contain and mitigate pollution.

Moreover, lakes often have larger volumes compared to rivers. This larger volume of water provides a buffer against pollution by reducing the concentration of pollutants per unit of water. The dilution effect is more pronounced in lakes, making it harder for pollutants to reach harmful levels.

Overall, the combination of slower flow, smaller surface area, and larger volume in lakes makes them less prone to getting polluted compared to rivers. However, it’s important to note that the specific characteristics of individual lakes and rivers can vary, and pollution can still occur in lakes under certain circumstances.