In Europe, excessive inputs of nitrogen threaten ecosystems and public health. Wetlands act as natural filters, removing excess nutrients and protecting downstream waters. Using high-resolution data on nitrogen surplus and wetlands distribution, we estimate that existing European wetlands remove 1092 ± 95 kt of nitrogen per year. Restoring 27% of wetlands historically drained for agriculture (3% of land area), targeted in high nitrogen input areas, could reduce current nitrogen loads to the sea by 36%, but with potential costs to agricultural productivity. A more efficient strategy targets wetland restoration on farmlands projected to be abandoned by 2040, yielding a 22% load reduction, and enabling major rivers such as the Rhine, Elbe and Vistula to meet water quality targets with minimal agricultural impact. Our findings highlight wetland restoration as a cost-effective, policy-relevant solution that – if spatially targeted – can deliver major water quality improvements while supporting broader EU climate, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability goals.
BERTASSELLO Leonardo;
BASU Nandita;
MAES Joachim;
GRIZZETTI Bruna;
LA NOTTE Alessandra;
FEYEN Luc;
2025-09-05
European Commission
JRC143319
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC143319,
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