Utilizing Wetlands for Phosphorus Reduction in Great Lakes Watersheds: A Review of Available Literature Examining Soil Properties and Phosphorus Removal Efficiency

Excess nutrient loading continues to impact water quality within the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) seeks to improve water quality through the reduction of phosphorus inputs from surrounding watersheds. Both natural and constructed wetland ecosystems display the capacity to reduce phosphorus inputs in a variety of agricultural and urban settings. However, maximizing the efficiency and benefits of wetlands for phosphorus reduction requires an understanding of nutrient cycles, soil-nutrient interactions, legacy phosphorus, and other factors. The current report synthesizes existing literature related to wetland phosphorus retention, depicts opportunities for improving water quality outcomes, and identifies opportunities for further research.