Which practice uses absorbent materials to manage a spill and reduce water contamination?

• A. Containment barriers (booms/dikes)
• B. Absorbents
• C. Proper drainage control
• D. Preventing runoff at the source

Answer: (B)

Absorbing materials are used to soak up spilled liquid so contamination is removed from surfaces and doesn’t flow into soil or waterways. This targeted action directly reduces the potential for water contamination by capturing the hazardous liquid at the spill site, preventing it from spreading and entering drains, streams, or other bodies of water. Absorbent products like pads, socks, and loose sorbents are placed on and around the spill, then collected for proper disposal after use.

Containment barriers such as booms and dikes work to keep the spill in one area but don’t remove the contaminant themselves, so they’re not as effective at reducing water contamination on their own. Proper drainage control focuses on directing or managing runoff rather than absorbing the liquid, and preventing runoff at the source aims to stop spills from reaching water but also does not involve using absorbent materials.