Contaminants can be washed down through the soil to the groundwater by rainfall soaking into the soil. Groundwater moving underground can spread contaminants in the aquifer. Contaminated groundwater can move that uses the Flowing River. Excavation or other activities that disturb the soil on the site can move contaminants. Ask students how animals or plants may be exposed to contaminants from the site.
Animals can eat contaminated plants.
Fish and aquatic plants can be exposed to contaminants washed into the Flowing River. Farmland crops could be exposed to contaminants through the irrigation system that uses water from the Flowing River. Ask students how people in Ruralville and Utopia may be exposed to contaminants from the site. Ask students what factors would affect the amount of exposure from site contamination. Explain to students that in a follow-up class, they will look more closely at how groundwater at the Flowing Railroad hazardous waste site may have been contaminated.