Which process can lead to the contamination of aquifers?

The process that can lead to the contamination of aquifers is industrial discharge. This refers to the release of waste materials from industries, which often contain hazardous chemicals and pollutants. When these substances are improperly disposed of or leak into the ground, they can seep into the soil and reach underground water sources, such as aquifers. Once contaminated, these water sources can pose serious health risks to humans and ecosystems relying on that water.

Water filtration, while important for purifying water for consumption, is not a process that leads to contamination of aquifers. Evaporation is a natural process where water turns into vapor; it does not contribute to contamination. Rainwater harvesting collects rainwater for use, which typically helps to conserve water but does not inherently contaminate aquifers unless the collection system is poorly designed or contaminated water is collected. Thus, industrial discharge stands out as a significant threat due to the potential introduction of harmful pollutants into groundwater systems.