What is one key purpose of an absorbent boom in pollution response?

The primary purpose of an absorbent boom in pollution response is to absorb chemicals and pollutants from the water. These booms are specifically designed to soak up hazardous substances, such as oils or other liquids, that have spilled into aquatic environments. This function makes them essential tools in managing spills and minimizing environmental damage.

Absorbent booms typically consist of a material that has high absorbency, allowing them to effectively capture and retain contaminants, thereby preventing further spread and degradation of the water quality. By using absorbent booms, responders can contain and remove hazardous substances, facilitating cleaner and safer water bodies.

The other options describe functions that are not associated with absorbent booms. For instance, while some booms may help in containing debris, that is not their primary design or function. Similarly, dispersing harmful substances runs counter to the goal of pollution response, which aims to minimize the impact of contaminants. Providing buoyancy is more relevant to other types of booms, such as containment booms, that are used to physically block the movement of floating materials rather than absorb them.