Turbidity and Estimated Phosphorus Retention in a Reconnected Lake Erie Coastal Wetland

Nearly all of the wetlands in coastal zone Lake Erie have been degraded or destroyed since 1860s, and most those that remain are separated from their watersheds by earthen dikes. Hydrologic isolation these disrupts ecosystem benefits typical to Great Lakes wetlands, particularly ability trap sediments retain nutrients when inundated runoff lake water. High-frequency measurements turbidity discharge were taken 2013 2014 observe water flow dynamics estimate total phosphorus flux a hydrologically reconnected diked wetland pool Crane Creek-Lake complex. Modeled estimates suggest retained 8% loading 10% 2014, which included short periods export Erie. Water flowing out generally had lower than inflowing water, but varied seasonally was linked changes lake-levels, seiche dynamics, weather conditions. More frequent storms, higher winds, stronger seiches spring fall created patterns more retention summer winter. Estimates released during levels absence larger short-term oscillations, potentially soil oxygen availability driving dynamics. This study demonstrated reestablishing hydrology through reconnection pools can reduce alter timing delivery