Which of the following heavy metals should be monitored in NASM?

Monitoring heavy metals in Non-Agricultural Source Material (NASM) is crucial for ensuring environmental safety and compliance with regulations. In this context, zinc and copper are particularly important due to their common presence in various industrial and urban activities.

Zinc is often found in materials like batteries, paint, and die-casting, and it can accumulate in soil, potentially leading to toxicity in plants and animals when concentrations exceed certain levels. Copper, frequently utilized in plumbing and electrical applications, can also pose risks when it leaches into the soil and alters microbial and plant health.

Proper monitoring of these two metals in NASM helps prevent contamination and ensures that any applied materials do not exceed acceptable limits, protecting soil and water quality. This focus on zinc and copper is aligned with regulatory mandates that aim to assess and mitigate potential risks associated with heavy metal accumulation in environments where NASM is used.

The other choices include elements and compounds that, while important for environmental health, do not represent the same focus on heavy metals. For example, nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients that can lead to eutrophication in waterways, and while they should indeed be monitored, they are not classified as heavy metals. Lead and arsenic do represent heavy metals, as do selenium and