What contributes to the filtration of pollutants in wetlands?

The diverse plant life in wetlands plays a significant role in the filtration of pollutants. Wetland plants, including grasses, reeds, and shrubs, have complex root systems that help trap sediments and absorb nutrients, heavy metals, and other pollutants from the water. These plants enhance the process of phytoremediation, where they take up harmful substances, effectively cleaning the water as it moves through the wetland ecosystem. Moreover, the variety of plant species in wetlands contributes to the overall health and resilience of these ecosystems, allowing them to effectively filter out contaminants and maintain water quality.

Other factors, such as the large size of wetlands, the flow of water, and the presence of sediment, also play roles in the function of wetlands, but the impact of diverse plant life is particularly critical as it actively engages in the biological and chemical processes that remove pollutants from water.