Unintended consequences of urban stream restoration.
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Excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from human activities have contributed to
degradation of coastal waters globally. A growing body of work suggests that hydrologically
restoring streams and rivers in agricultural and urban watersheds has potential to increase N and
P retention. However, certain restoration techniques and circumstances may yield unintended, undesired consequences including low dissolved oxygen levels, metal and phosphorus mobilization, loss of biota, loss of riparian trees, and increased sediment loads from banks. Using recent case studies and our long-term data sets from urban study sites in Maryland, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, I discuss the causes of undesired consequences of stream restoration and suggest approaches to achieve desired outcomes such as N removal and biological uplift.