Which of the following is true about the role of wetlands in the ecosystem?

The statement that wetlands filter pollutants from water is accurate and highlights one of the critical functions of wetlands within ecosystems. Wetlands are natural buffers that play a significant role in water quality improvement. They have the ability to trap sediments and filter out contaminants, such as heavy metals, nutrients, and pathogens, through their complex soil structure and the presence of vegetation. This filtering process is vital for the health of surrounding water bodies, as it reduces the number of pollutants entering rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, thereby contributing to overall ecosystem health.

Wetlands also serve myriad essential functions, including wildlife habitat, flood control, and carbon storage, but the specific ability to filter pollutants is a vital ecological service that underscores their importance in maintaining water quality. The other options do not accurately capture the multifaceted roles of wetlands; they either understate their ecological significance or present misunderstandings regarding their impacts on the environment.