In hazardous materials management, which of the following terms refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a contaminant?

The correct answer is dilution, which refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a contaminant by adding a substance, typically a liquid, that is not harmful. This process increases the volume of the contaminated material while lowering the concentration of the hazardous substance within it. In hazardous materials management, dilution is often a critical step in managing spills or releases, allowing for safer handling and reducing the immediate risk posed by the contaminant.

While neutralization involves a chemical reaction to convert a hazardous substance into a less harmful one, it does not simply reduce concentration through addition. Absorption refers to the process where a contaminant is taken up by a material, effectively removing it from a solution but not necessarily diluting it. Containment focuses on physically enclosing hazardous materials to prevent their spread, rather than altering their concentration in the environment. Understanding these differences is essential for effectively managing hazardous materials and ensuring safety.