Should rainwater be considered pure?

• A. Yes, it is naturally distilled water
• B. No, it may contain pollutants from the air
• C. Only if collected directly in a clean container
• D. It depends on the region's air quality

Answer: (B)

Rainwater is often perceived as pure because it originates from atmospheric processes, primarily evaporation and condensation, which result in what can be considered distilled water. However, as rainwater falls through the atmosphere, it can pick up various pollutants. These pollutants may include particulate matter, gases, and chemicals present in the air, such as sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, which can lead to acid rain. This contamination means that rainwater cannot be considered pure without further treatment.

The other options present different perspectives on rainwater purity but do not fully capture the essential concern of atmospheric pollution affecting rainwater quality. While rainwater may be relatively clean when falling from the sky, the environmental factors influencing its purity highlight the need for caution and assessment regarding air quality when considering its use for drinking or irrigation. Hence, the correct viewpoint recognizes the potential for rainwater to carry contaminants, making it inappropriate to deem it pure without qualification.