Influences the following natural capital assets:
Influences the following ecosystem services:
Bio-remediation
Bio-remediation is a natural process whereby living organisms such as micro-organisms, plants, algae, and some animals degrade, reduce, and/or detoxify contaminants.
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Buffering and attenuation of mass flows
Buffering and attenuation of mass flows allows the transport and storage of sediment by rivers, lakes and seas.
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Dilution by atmosphere and ecosystems
Water, both fresh and saline, and the atmosphere can dilute the gases, fluids and solid waste produced by human activity.
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Disease control
Ecosystems play important roles in regulation of diseases for human populations as well as for wild and domesticated flora and fauna.
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Filtration
Filtering, sequestering, storing, and accumulating pollutants is carried out by a range of organisms including, algae, animals, microorganisms and vascular and non-vascular plants.
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Flood and storm protection
Flood and storm protection is provided by the sheltering, buffering and attenuating effects of natural and planted vegetation.
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Mediation of sensory impacts
Vegetation is the main (natural) barrier used to reduce noise and light pollution, limiting the impact it can have on human health and the environment.