Which load includes minerals like salt that are dissolved in water?

• A. Suspended load
• B. Dissolved load
• C. Bedload
• D. Streamload

Answer: (B)

The dissolved load refers to the part of a river's total load that consists of materials that are fully dissolved in the water, such as minerals and salts. This load is significant because it contributes to the chemical composition of the water and can have various ecological impacts, such as affecting the water's pH and its ability to support life.

In rivers, dissolved load can result from weathering processes where water interacts with rocks, breaking down minerals and allowing them to enter the water system in solution. This is distinct from other types of loads, such as suspended load, which consists of particles that are carried within the water column but are not dissolved, and bedload, which consists of larger particles that move along the bottom of the riverbed. Streamload is a more general term that encompasses all forms of material being transported by a river but does not specifically highlight the dissolved components.