What is the environmental significance of establishing buffer zones?

Establishing buffer zones serves an important role in protecting the environment, particularly in the prevention of water pollution. These areas, typically located between agricultural lands and water bodies, function as a barrier that helps to filter out pollutants, sediments, and nutrients before they can enter streams, rivers, lakes, or other aquatic systems. By promoting the uptake of these substances by plants and soil, buffer zones significantly reduce the risk of contamination in water bodies.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the primary function and benefits of buffer zones. While buffer zones may coincidentally support pesticide effectiveness or contribute to aesthetics, these aspects are not their main purpose. Additionally, stating that buffer zones have no environmental impact contradicts the substantial evidence supporting their role in protecting water quality and enhancing biodiversity.