Here is Question No. 43 a part of our series on UPSC Prelims 2022.
Q43. “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement?
a) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
b) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, mollusks, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
c) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Answer – D
- Tropical rainforests are frequently referred to be the “lungs of the planet” because they typically breathe oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. Because of their tremendous and long-lasting capacity to filter contaminants from the water that flows through them, natural wetlands are frequently referred to as “earth’s kidneys.” Heavy metals in aquatic environments, such as lakes and rivers have been studied extensively because of their toxicity, persistence, and tendency to bioaccumulate. Many studies have shown that aquatic plants are sinks for heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. Because of their capacity to accumulate heavy metals, several species of aquatic macrophytes such as H. verticillate and water hyacinth have been used to remove heavy metals from wastewater. The ability of aquatic plants to actively and passively absorb huge amounts of metals from water and/ or sediment through multiple organs such as roots stems, and leaves makes these plants suited for heavy metal modifications in the aquatic environment
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