Which of the following is a pathway in the Conceptual Site Model (CSM)?

In the context of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM), a pathway is a means through which contaminants can potentially reach and affect human health or the environment. Inhalation is recognized as one of the primary pathways because it involves the breathing in of airborne contaminants, which can lead to health risks if those contaminants pose toxicity.

The CSM outlines how contaminants disperse from a source and identifies various potential exposure routes for humans and ecological receptors. Inhalation specifically addresses the direct route through the respiratory system, highlighting concerns around air quality and exposure to volatile organic compounds or particulate matter.

The other options, while related to interactions with the body, do not accurately represent recognized pathways in the assessment process. Absorption generally refers to how substances enter the body through the skin or through ingestion, while digestion primarily deals with the gastrointestinal tract and the breakdown of food, which is not typically categorized as a pathway in the CSM context. Articulation does not connect to environmental contamination concerns and is unrelated to the pathways identified in a Conceptual Site Model.