etention of toxins in effluents, wetlands are able to filter solid wastes as well as industrial wastes containing heavy metals; ensuring that they do not harm human populations or other ecosystems. In low-lying areas that are prone to flooding wetlands play a crucial role in ensuring that civilizations are not destroyed, by acting as a sponge, wetlands are able to absorb large amounts of water and slowly release it into the water table, therefore averting any ill effects that may be caused by heavy rains or spring thawing. This is a cost effective alternative to the commonly used system of dykes and levies, which is expensive and labor intensive. If managed effectively and in an integrated manner wetlands can provide many natural products such as fish, timber and fur that can add revenue and create jobs in a local economy. The preservation of wetlands near densely populated areas creates opportunities for outdoor recreation that citizens may not otherwise be exposed to, creating intrinsic s
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