Which of the following describes the effects of sediment pollution?

• A. Increases water turbidity and reduces light penetration
• B. Blocks sunlight, harms plant growth, clogs fish gills, disrupts ecosystems
• C. Improves habitat for aquatic plants
• D. Decreases sediment in water

Answer: (B)

Sediment pollution raises turbidity in water, so light penetration decreases. When light is blocked, photosynthesis by aquatic plants and algae slows down, reducing primary production and the oxygen those organisms supply to the ecosystem. The suspended sediments can clog fish gills, making it harder for them to exchange gases. Sediment deposition also blankets the bottom, smothering habitats and disrupting feeding, shelter, and reproductive sites for many organisms. Taken together, these effects—reduced light, harmed plant growth, gill clogging, and broader ecosystem disruption—describe the comprehensive impact of sediment pollution, making this option the best choice. The other statements are incomplete or incorrect: turbidity and light reduction are real but only part of the picture, one option wrongly suggests habitats improve with sediment, and another claims sediment levels decrease, which goes against pollution.