Surface water typically has a high concentration of which of the following?

Surface water typically has a high concentration of bacteria due to several factors. Surface water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, are directly exposed to the environment, making them susceptible to contamination from various sources, including agricultural runoff, wildlife, and human activities. This exposure allows for the accumulation of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, which thrive in these nutrient-rich waters.

The presence of organic matter, sediments, and nutrients in surface waters can provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and reproduce. Additionally, factors such as rainfall can wash pollutants into surface waters, further increasing bacterial populations. Understanding this characteristic of surface water is crucial for water quality monitoring and management, especially for drinking water sources, where high bacterial counts can pose health risks.

In contrast, minerals, dissolved solids, and gases also exist in surface water but are not typically present in concentrations as high as bacteria, making them less of a concern in the context of this question.