Question

1. mercury is a pollutant classified as ______. a pathogen an organic material a radioactive waste a heavy metal

Explanation:

Mercury is a dense metallic element with an atomic number of 80, fitting the classification of a heavy metal. It is not a pathogen (a disease-causing organism), not an organic material (it is an inorganic element), and while some isotopes are radioactive, it is primarily classified as a heavy metal pollutant due to its environmental and toxicological impacts.

Answer:

a heavy metal