How does sediment pollution affect waterways?

Sediment pollution significantly impacts waterways primarily by causing turbidity, which is an increase in the cloudiness or haziness of the water. When sediments such as silt, clay, and organic matter accumulate in water bodies, they can block sunlight from penetrating through the water column. This reduced light availability affects aquatic plants, particularly algae and submerged vegetation, which are crucial for photosynthesis.

The decrease in photosynthesis can have a cascading effect on the entire aquatic ecosystem, as these plants form the foundation of the food web. Furthermore, increased turbidity can directly harm fish and other aquatic organisms by hindering their ability to find food and navigate their environment. It can also interfere with the gills of fish, impairing their ability to breathe effectively.

While sediment can occasionally create new habitats, such as during natural sediment deposition processes, excessive sediment pollution is detrimental, leading to the various issues discussed above. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the adverse effects of sediment pollution on waterways, particularly in terms of turbidity and light limitation.