In terms of pollution control, what does 'remediation' aim to clean?

Remediation in the context of pollution control refers to the process of cleaning up contaminants from the environment to restore it to its natural state or to a condition that is safe for human health and the ecosystem. This typically involves the cleanup of affected water, air, and soil where pollutants have been introduced.

The goal of remediation is comprehensive, addressing multiple environmental media because pollution can occur in various forms and affect different elements of an ecosystem simultaneously. For instance, pollutants can leach into groundwater, contaminate surface water, or settle in the soil, which can subsequently affect air quality through volcanic outgassing or chemical release.

This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of an environment that have been adversely impacted by pollutants are considered and treated, promoting healthier ecosystems and reducing the risk to human populations. Thus, remediation involves a methodical cleanup of all affected mediums—water, air, and soil—making option B the most accurate representation of this process.