Which of the following actions can lead to impairment of water bodies?

Flow modification and wetland loss can significantly impair water bodies due to their critical roles in maintaining ecological balance and water quality. Flow modification, such as constructing dams or altering river channels, disrupts natural water flow patterns, which can lead to changes in sediment transport, water temperature, and aquatic habitat. This disruption may result in decreased oxygen levels and altered nutrient dynamics, negatively affecting aquatic organisms and overall water quality.

Wetlands serve as natural filters, absorbing pollutants and excess nutrients before they enter larger water bodies. The loss of these areas diminishes their ability to improve water quality and can lead to increased flooding and erosion, further degrading nearby water bodies. Overall, these actions compromise the ecosystem services that healthy water bodies provide, leading to their impairment.