Which method can effectively reduce trash in surface water?

Choosing to recycle or increase water flow can effectively reduce trash in surface water because it addresses the root causes of pollution and promotes a healthier water ecosystem. Recycling reduces the volume of waste that could potentially make its way into surface water bodies, as materials are reused rather than discarded, thus lessening the amount of trash generated.

Increasing water flow can help flush out contaminants and trash from the waterways, diluting pollutants and promoting the natural cleaning processes of the water bodies. This method harnesses the power of water dynamics to remove debris and improve overall water quality.

In contrast, increasing pollution levels would exacerbate the problem, and burning waste products can release harmful substances into the air, impacting air quality and potentially leading to acid rain, which can harm aquatic ecosystems. Using chemical treatments might address certain contaminants but could introduce new chemicals into the water, which can have adverse effects on aquatic life and water quality. Therefore, recycling and enhancing water flow work together to create a more sustainable and less polluted surface water environment.