Earth’s waterways depend on a phenomenon known as the salt cycle as a key determinant of ecological health, with even freshwater rivers and lakes exhibiting naturally occurring salt concentrations that can fluctuate over time. Unfortunately, recent industrial activity has yielded an overly salty salt cycle. This problem is a particular focus of University of Maryland geologist Sujay Kaushal, who is alert to the scope and significance of cycle irregularities: salt imbalances affect an urban “drinking water supply” and extend beyond common sodium chloride (or table salt) ions to include “calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate ions.”8Mark for ReviewCross out answer choices you think are wrong.ABCWhich choice best describes the function of the underlined portion of the text?AIt provides testimony from Kaushal in order to underscore the severity of salt cycle disruptions.BIt cites multiple perspectives while primarily illustrating the thoroughness of Kaushal’s salt cycle research.CIt specifies a series of preconceptions that Kaushal has confronted and refuted in the course of investigating the current salt cycle.DIt emphasizes Kaushal’s academic background in order to lend credibility to recent concerns about the course of the salt cycle.