Final answer:
Improper disposal of lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and mercury batteries in landfills can contaminate soil and water with toxic substances, release harmful gases into the atmosphere, and harm human health and wildlife. Therefore, the answer is (4) All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
Disposing of lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, or mercury batteries in a landfill can be harmful for several reasons. These batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which pose significant threats to the environment and human health. When disposed of in landfills, these batteries can leak contaminants into the soil and groundwater, leading to long-term pollution and potentially impacting wildlife and human health. Incineration of these batteries releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and creating health hazards.
The correct answer to the question is (4) All of the above because disposing of batteries improperly can lead to soil and water contamination with toxic substances, the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere, and can harm human health and wildlife. It is crucial to follow government guidelines for the disposal of hazardous waste to minimize these environmental and health risks.