What kinds of pollutants can riparian buffers absorb?

Riparian buffers are ecological areas located along waterways that play a critical role in maintaining water quality and ecosystem health. These buffers are composed of native vegetation that can effectively capture and filter various types of pollutants before they enter streams, rivers, or lakes.

The correct answer indicates that riparian buffers can absorb a wide range of pollutants. This includes sediment, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers), heavy metals, pathogens, and even pesticides that may be washed off from agricultural lands or urban areas. The plant roots and overall plant biomass in these buffers help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and improve water infiltration, thus filtering out harmful substances.

Understanding the capacity of riparian buffers to handle a diverse array of pollutants emphasizes their importance in promoting water quality, preventing erosion, and supporting biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. This multifaceted pollution absorption capability showcases their role in environmental management and conservation efforts.