Which of the following is an example of physical water pollution?

• A. Bacteria and viruses in water
• B. Pesticides in water
• C. A pop can in a river
• D. Sewage waste

Answer: (C)

Physical pollution refers to contamination of water by solid materials that are ingested or accumulate in the environment, changing the look or habitat without adding chemicals or living organisms. A pop can in a river is a piece of solid waste that becomes debris, affecting water clarity and wildlife by physical means rather than by chemical toxins or biological agents. The other options involve contaminants that are not purely solid debris: bacteria and viruses are living organisms that pollute water biologically; pesticides are chemical pollutants that harm water quality through chemical exposure; sewage waste brings organic matter and microbes, leading to biological and sometimes chemical pollution. So the pop can best illustrates physical pollution because it’s a tangible solid object introduced into the water.