Which industry typically produces waste streams characterized by lead and acids?

The correct answer is battery manufacturing because this industry is known for generating waste streams that contain both lead and various acids. In the production and recycling of batteries, particularly lead-acid batteries, lead is a primary component used in the battery plates, and sulfuric acid is used as the electrolyte. This results in waste products that may contain both lead and acidic substances, necessitating careful management to prevent environmental contamination.

Plastics manufacturing primarily deals with polymers and may produce waste streams containing different types of additives or solvents, but it does not typically generate significant amounts of lead or acidic waste. Dairy processing involves organic materials and may produce waste with high biological oxygen demand (BOD), but it isn't associated with lead or acids. Similarly, the pulp and paper industry generates waste streams largely consisting of cellulose fibers, chemicals for bleaching, and other organic materials, rather than lead or acids. Therefore, battery manufacturing stands out as the industry most closely linked to lead and acids in its waste products.