“If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys”. Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement?

(a) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.

(b) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

(c) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.

(d) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentations balance and soil stabilization.