Which of the following is a physical effect of erosion and sedimentation?

Increased water treatment costs is a physical effect of erosion and sedimentation because sediment that enters water bodies can lead to a range of complications for water quality. When soil, nutrients, and pollutants are washed away during erosion and reach lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, they can cause turbidity, which affects the clarity of the water. Higher turbidity can interfere with disinfection processes and increase the need for additional treatment to ensure safe drinking water.

Moreover, excessive sediment can lead to the accumulation of contaminants, further complicating treatment processes. As a result, water treatment facilities may need to invest in more advanced technology or processes to manage sediment-laden water, thus increasing operational costs. This phenomenon highlights the practical implications of erosion and sedimentation on water management systems in communities.

On the other hand, while increased aquatic biodiversity, enhanced soil fertility, and improved fishing conditions can be associated with certain environments or practices, they do not directly correspond to the physical consequences of erosion and sedimentation in a way that impacts water management and costs.