How do buffers contribute to the removal of phosphorus from surface runoff?

Buffers play a crucial role in managing surface runoff, particularly in relation to phosphorus, which can cause significant environmental issues when it enters water bodies. The correct choice highlights that buffers slow down water flow. When water flows more slowly, sediments, including those bound with phosphorus, have a greater opportunity to settle out of the water column and deposit onto the ground. This process is essential in reducing the amount of phosphorus that ultimately reaches streams and other water bodies, thereby mitigating the risk of eutrophication and related ecological problems.

The effectiveness of buffers stems from their design; they often consist of vegetation and soil that can intercept runoff, allowing for the natural processes of sedimentation and absorption to take place. The plants in these buffer zones can uptake some nutrients, including phosphorus, further contributing to its removal from runoff.

This highlights the importance of buffers in environmental management strategies aimed at improving water quality and maintaining ecological balance. They serve as natural filters, reducing the concentration of harmful substances entering aquatic ecosystems.