Nature-based solutions to pollution in urban streams
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Stream restoration is a nature-based approach for managing nitrogen in degraded, flashy urban streams. Over the past two decades, we have conducted multiple studies at streams in Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Washington DC to quantify the efficacy of stream restoration as a BMP. Here, I summarize the efficacy of stream restoration as a BMP for pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals. N management via stream restoration will be most effective where flashiness can be reduced, and DOC made available for denitrifiers. Stream restoration may be an important component of holistic watershed management including stormwater management and nutrient source control. I discuss the challenges of data collection, trend analysis, unintended consequences of restoration, and future challenges and emerging contaminants.