Work

Natural peatlands as buffers for protection of water quality in boreal forested catchments

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Retention and release of nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, aluminum and iron by natural peatlands were studied in forested catchments in Finland. Peatlands were capable of retaining all other elements from their through-flow waters, except iron. However, relatively large mires (>50 % of the catchment area) from the viewpoint of routing runoff from managed forests to natural peatlands as a water management option were needed for efficient retention of nitrogen and organic carbon (>30–50 % retention). In contrast, aluminium and phosphorus were efficiently retained by relatively small peatlands (5–10 % of catchment area). We conclude that natural and well-established restored peatlands may be used in operational forestry as an efficient means to decrease phosphorus and aluminium loads, but the management of nitrogen, organic carbon, and iron loads by such peatlands may not be as feasible. • Water quality impacts of natural peatlands were assessed in forested catchments. • Peatlands retained all other elements from their through-flow waters except iron. • Phosphorus and aluminium were retained by relatively small peatlands. • Efficient nitrogen and organic carbon retention necessitates large peatlands.

Source: Forest Ecology and Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123533

Authors: Mika Nieminen, Tapani Sallantaus, Sakari Sarkkola

Institutions: Natural Resources Institute Finland, Finnish Environment Institute

Language: English

Topic: Peatlands and Wetlands Ecology

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560