RNR 1001 Chapter : RNR 1001 Feb 29th 16
Document Summary
Wetlands reduce the severity and frequency of flooding- -4 billion in annual losses. Increase slow infiltration and percolation of water to recharge aquifers. Access to riparian wetlands reduces bank erosion, stream bed scouring. Also provides temporary habitat for some organisms from the stream. Loss of riparian wetlands has changed the way rivers and streams function. Many riparian wetlands have been destroyed by levees. Without lateral movement during storms, downstream flooding becomes much worse. Wetlands trap sediments, reducing turbidity and building terrestrial systems. Many pollutants, particularly organic pollutants, are degraded in wetlands by bacteria. Constructed wetlands (cw) have been used to treat effluents: Secondary-treated sewage, cw can remove nutrients, metals, microbes, and viruses (1. 3 million gallons/ put into a 66 ha florida wetland; removed of. 70%of the ammonia, 99%of the nitrogen, 95% of the phosphorus) 60% to 70% of n. a. ducks breed in the prairie pothole region- losses to agriculture.
