Constructed wetlands clean up stormwater pollution, support thriving ecosystems.
Constructed wetlands can effectively reduce pollution in stormwater runoff. Research shows high removal rates for various pollutants like solids, phosphorus, and zinc. The wetlands also support healthy vegetation and wildlife. A model was developed to understand how pollutants move through the wetlands. A GIS tool was created to manage existing wetlands and plan for future ones. Overall, mitigated wetlands can be just as effective as traditional methods in improving and controlling highway stormwater quality.