An environmental engineer wants to examine the permeability of different soils to determine the best natural containment system to protect groundwater from pollutants. The engineer tests four different soil samples, places them into a wet column, and pours 50mL of water over each sample. The engineer records the total amount of water that moves through the column as well as the total amount of time for the water to fully percolate through the soil. The data from the study are shown below.
Which of the following best describes why the engineer chose to calculate the permeability of the soil sample in the experimental design in order to evaluate a natural containment system to protect groundwater?

Note that the best option that describes why the engineer chose to calculate the permeability of the soil sample in the experimental design in order to evaluate a natural containment system to protect groundwater is: "Soils that have low permeability would best help protect groundwater because the soil traps pollutants so that chemical and biological breakdown can occur."

What is Soil Permeability?

Soil permeability is a measure of how easily water can move through soil. Permeable soil allows water to pass through it easily, while impermeable soil does not allow water to pass through it easily.

Permeable soil is important because it helps to reduce flooding and erosion, and it can help to recharge groundwater. Impermeable soil can lead to problems such as flooding and erosion.

Permeability conveys information on foundation stability, seepage via embankments, and so on. Shear strength is the most essential geotechnical feature of soils, since it aids in the stability of civil engineering projects on or under the earth's surface.

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