Why are water samples often tested for heavy metals?

Testing water samples for heavy metals is crucial for assessing potential health risks from toxic substance exposure. Heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, can have significant adverse effects on human health, even at low concentrations. These metals can accumulate in the body over time and lead to various health issues, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, and developmental problems, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

Monitoring for heavy metals is essential for public health and safety, as contaminated water sources can pose serious risks. Regulatory agencies often set maximum contaminant levels for these substances to ensure that drinking water remains safe for consumption. By conducting regular testing, water quality management can identify and remediate potential contamination sources, protecting communities from harmful exposure.

While assessing aesthetic qualities, determining seasonal variations, or evaluating sediment composition are important aspects of water quality studies, they do not address the critical health implications associated with heavy metal exposure. Therefore, option C is the most relevant and significant reason for testing water samples for heavy metals.