Conclusions
- Despite characterization of catchment characteristics the hydraulic load, TP load and length:width ratio were factors that best explained the difference in P retention.
- Contrary to expectations, clay content in soil and slope of the catchment, factors that could be associated to erosion, did not correlate with retention of neither particles nor P.
- Clay particles were most likely unaggregated and to small to be retained within these wetlands.
- Internal site-specific factors can have a large impact on P distribution, especially in wetlands with abundant vegetation.
- Likely that the size fraction of particles that settled were similar despite differences in soiltype.
- Futher measures are needed to prevent clay-bound phosphorus from entering waterbodies.
- Using models and data from a regional scale on local scale should be done with consideration as there can be large local variations compared to regional standard values.
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Last updated:
01/20/12