Researchers are investigating the incidence of algal blooms in neighborhood ponds. In summer, they collect water samples from over 100 neighborhood ponds in Dallas, Texas and surrounding cities. They also surveyed residents in each neighborhood to collect data such as average lot size, average home value, average resident income, and lawn care methods. The researchers found that neighborhoods with large lots, high home values, and high income levels were likely to use automatic sprinklers and synthetic fertilizers on their lawns. These same neighborhoods were very likely to have abundant algae in their ponds. Based on this research, which conclusion below provides the best explanation for why algae proliferate in neighborhood ponds?

a. Automatic sprinklers may house algae and may spray into neighborhood ponds.
b. High income neighborhoods are less likely to treat their ponds with chemicals that prevent algae growth.
c. Lawn fertilizer that washes into neighborhood ponds likely causes algae to become more abundant.
d. Neighborhoods with expensive homes typically have larger, deeper ponds that are more likely to support algae proliferation.
e. Large lot sizes likely provide algae with extra room to grow, and the algae then washes into the pond.