Lead and Mercury are examples of which type of contaminant?

Lead and mercury are classified as inorganic contaminants. Inorganic contaminants are primarily composed of minerals, metals, and salts, which do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, distinguishing them from organic contaminants.

Lead, a heavy metal, is often found in drinking water as a result of corrosion of plumbing materials or the presence of lead pipes. Mercury, another toxic metal, can enter water sources through industrial discharge, mining activities, and runoff. Both of these substances are known for their potential health risks, including neurological damage and other serious health effects.

Inorganic contaminants can come from natural sources as well as human activities, making them an important focus in water quality monitoring and treatment. Effective water treatment processes are based on removing or reducing the levels of these contaminants to safe levels for human consumption.