What do buffers help protect in aquatic environments?

Buffers play a crucial role in maintaining both water quality and the habitats within aquatic environments. By acting as a natural barrier, typically in the form of vegetation or wetlands, buffers help filter out pollutants and excessive nutrients before they can enter water bodies. This filtration reduces the risk of issues such as algal blooms, which can severely degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.

In addition to protecting water quality, buffers provide critical habitat for a variety of wildlife. They serve as transitional zones between land and water, offering shelter and food for numerous species. This dual function underscores the importance of buffers in preserving both the ecological balance of aquatic environments and the overall health of the water systems.

The other options do not capture the comprehensive role that buffers play in protecting aquatic settings. While buffers may indirectly affect air quality, soil fertility, or urban wildlife, their primary focus is the direct protection of water and habitats within those ecosystems.