Accuracy of water treatment and nutrient statements

Steps:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Chlorination disinfects water by killing bacteria and pathogens, but unpleasant tastes are removed by activated carbon filtration or aeration.
• Statement 2 is correct: Distillation achieves desalination by heating water to evaporate it, then condensing the vapor to separate pure water from salts.
• Statement 3 is correct: Phosphates provide essential phosphorus, a macronutrient that stimulates plant growth in water and soil.
• Only statements 2 and 3 hold true, matching option C.

Why C is correct:

• C selects statements 2 and 3, aligning with definitions of thermal desalination processes and phosphorus as a plant nutrient in environmental science.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Includes false statement 1 on chlorination's role.
• B: Includes false statement 1 and excludes true statement 3.
• D: Excludes true statement 2 on desalination methods.

Final answer: C