What environmental issue is exacerbated by soil erosion?

Increased sedimentation in waterways is a significant environmental issue that is exacerbated by soil erosion. When soil erodes, it can wash away in heavy rains or through wind, transporting sediment into rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. This movement of sediment can lead to a number of harmful effects, such as the smothering of aquatic habitats, disruption of aquatic organisms, and degradation of water quality. The increased sediment can also contribute to the problem of nutrient loading, which leads to algal blooms and further disrupts aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, sedimentation can interfere with navigation in waterways, affect the recreational use of these bodies of water, and increase the costs associated with water treatment processes. Thus, the relationship between soil erosion and increased sedimentation in waterways highlights the interconnectedness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of maintaining soil health and stability to protect water quality.