Which structure is commonly used for diverting sediment-laden water?

The structure commonly used for diverting sediment-laden water is indeed a sediment trap. Sediment traps are specifically designed to capture and store sediment from runoff before it can enter larger water bodies or drainage systems. They function by slowing down the flow of water, allowing sediment particles to settle out due to gravity. This helps in preventing the transport of pollutants and sediment downstream, thereby protecting water quality.

Retention ponds, while effective in managing stormwater and providing temporary storage, are primarily designed for flood control and water quality improvement over a longer period rather than specifically for sediment diversion. A ditch system can also help manage water flow but may not be specifically optimized for capturing sediment. Similarly, buffer zones primarily serve to protect water bodies by filtering pollutants and reducing runoff velocity, but they do not actively capture sediment like a sediment trap does. Thus, sediment traps are the most effective tool among the options listed for specifically diverting and managing sediment-laden water.