Which of the following best describes the function of wetlands in water filtration?

Wetlands play a crucial role in water filtration by trapping pollutants, which significantly improves water quality. They function as natural filters, with their unique soil composition and vegetation helping to absorb and breakdown sediments, nutrients, and harmful pollutants from water that flows through them. This process is facilitated by various microorganisms and plants present in the wetland ecosystem, which can metabolize these substances or immobilize them, preventing them from entering larger bodies of water.

The process of filtration in wetlands not only supports the maintenance of clean water but also contributes to various ecological functions, such as reducing the risk of flooding and providing habitat for diverse organisms. While they do provide habitats and hold water, the primary function relevant to this question focuses on their ability to actively reduce pollutants and enhance the quality of water, making option C the most accurate description of wetlands in this context.