Multi-decadal impacts of effluent loading on phosphorus sorption capacity in a restored wetland.

Natural wetlands are widely used and cost-effective systems for the passive remediation of phosphorus (P)-rich surface waters from various effluent sources. Yet the long-term biogeochemical impacts of effluent loading on wetland P retention capacity are unclear. Here, we had a unique opportunity to document the spatio-temporal evolution of sediment P sorption over a ∼25-year period of constant municipal and industrial effluent loading, as part of a wetland restoration and wastewater treatment strategy in one of the largest restored wetlands in Canada.