Earth’s Lungs: Natural Air and Water Purification SystemsOur Earth is a wondrous planet. It contains all the elements necessary for life to exist. Two of the most essential elements for these life forms to survive are clean water and clean air. Amazingly, Earth possesses its own natural filtration systems that constantly purify and recycle these life-giving gifts. In this chapter, we explore these incredible air and water purification systems.The Play of the Wind: Nature’s Wizards of Air PurificationEvery breath we take is a part of Earth’s natural air purification system. Trees, plants, and other small creatures take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This process keeps the oxygen levels in Earth’s atmosphere high and provides us with the air we need to breathe.The Water Cycle: Nature’s Eternal Fountain of Clean WaterThe water cycle is another essential natural purification system. Water evaporates from the Earth’s surface, rises into the atmosphere, cools and condenses into clouds, and then falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or sleet. This process helps to clean the air by removing pollutants and particulate matter. It also helps to replenish the Earth’s freshwater supply.The Oceans: The Earth’s Great FilterThe oceans are home to a vast array of marine life, including algae, bacteria, and plankton. These organisms play a vital role in the Earth’s natural water purification system. They absorb pollutants from the water and convert them into harmless substances. The oceans also help to regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.