Ohio is investing millions of dollars in wetland restoration projects as part of the , a major environmental effort aimed at tackling the pervasive problem of eutrophication in the state’s lakes and rivers. One of the primary regions benefiting from this initiative is the Western Basin of Lake Erie, where harmful algal blooms have become an annual issue.
Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at 鶹ӰԺ, and members of her lab recently shared their insights into this critical research and the role wetlands play in improving water quality and combating nutrient pollution.
As the Research Lead of the , Kinsman-Costello presented the annual update on the project via a on December 4. She gave an overview of the accomplishments from the multi-institution standardized data collection; described various characteristics of wetland projects that promote nutrient retention and removal, with examples from Monitoring Program data; and explained the importance of continued dialogue among researchers, agency staff, and wetland practitioners.
The Problem: Eutrophication and Harmful Algal Blooms
Kinsman-Costello said that the core issue driving the state’s commitment to wetland restoration is eutrophication, which is the overabundance of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which trigger harmful algal blooms in water bodies like Lake Erie. These blooms, which proliferate every summer, are primarily made up of Microcystis, a cyanobacteria that produces a toxin called microcystin. This toxin is harmful to both humans and animals, making the water conditions undesirable for recreational activities like swimming.
The problem originates from excess nutrients coming off the landscape, often stemming from agricultural runoff. Phosphorus and nitrogen are critical nutrients for plant growth, including agricultural crops, but when these nutrients enter water systems in large quantities, they fuel unwanted algae growth, creating a cascade of negative environmental effects. The Western Basin of Lake Erie, located near Toledo and Sandusky, is particularly susceptible, given its economic and environmental significance to the Great Lakes region.
The Role of Wetlands in Water Quality
Wetlands play a crucial role in addressing eutrophication. Often referred to as the “kidneys of the landscape,” wetlands naturally filter out excess nutrients from water. They can chemically transform these nutrients, store them, and prevent them from flowing downstream, where they can contribute to algal blooms and other environmental issues.
Kinsman-Costello said that not all wetlands are created equal. “Constructed wetlands—those that are man-made for the purpose of treatment—are a relatively new approach, and we don’t fully understand the most effective methods for their design and management,” she said. “The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) through the H2Ohio initiative is investing in both the restoration of wetlands and scientific studies to monitor their effectiveness in treating nutrient pollution.”
The H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program
The H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program aims to assess the effectiveness of restored wetlands throughout Ohio. The program is unique because it brings together scientists from six different universities across the state from the (LEARN) and is the first to apply a uniform framework for monitoring the restoration of wetlands across various sites. Researchers are studying the impact of these wetlands on nutrient pollution by analyzing soil, water, and plants at restoration sites.
“We are also hoping to find out if there is anything we can do in the future in terms of how we design and build and manage wetlands to do an even better job,” Kinsman-Costello said.
Olivia Schloegel, the Monitoring Program research coordinator, explained that the program spans over 40 wetlands across Ohio. “Researchers and staff from six universities are sampling water, soil, and vegetation to understand how these wetlands are performing,” Schloegel said. “We also have specialized crews using advanced technology, like drones for aerial monitoring, detailed vegetation analysis, monitoring of the subsurface and groundwater flow to get a deeper understanding of the wetland ecosystems.”
Field Work: Monitoring Nutrient Levels and Hydrology
In addition to laboratory research, fieldwork is a critical component of the H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program. Mike Back, a Ph.D. student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at 鶹ӰԺ State, and other students take part in the hands-on monitoring efforts.
On a typical day they measure surface water nutrient concentrations in different areas of the wetlands and check on water level staff gauges, which help them track the hydrology of the wetland over time.
The students also measure soil nutrients at the wetland sites to analyze how the wetland’s different micro-sites are performing which contributes to the ongoing research efforts. These field trips provide undergraduate students with valuable hands-on experience.
“Students are not just conducting research—they are generating new scientific knowledge that will have a direct impact on policy and influence environmental practices in Ohio,” Kinsman-Costello said.
A Collaborative Effort: The Power of Team Science
The H2Ohio initiative is a team effort, bringing together researchers, students, and environmental professionals across Ohio.
“It’s not just about restoring wetlands; it’s about a commitment to long-term monitoring,” Schloegel said. “The work we’re doing is a unique and ambitious effort in terms of both scale and scope.”
“I started as an undergrad at 鶹ӰԺ State and was involved in soil science research on abandoned surface mines,” Back recalls. “That led me to the H2Ohio program, where I became more interested in wetland biogeochemistry. It was such an exciting and expansive project that I decided to stay for a Ph.D.”
The project has given Back the chance to work on long-term environmental solutions, which is why he chose to continue his studies beyond his master’s degree. His research is focused on understanding the biogeochemistry of wetlands and how they can help mitigate nutrient pollution.
“As Ohio continues its investment in wetlands, both the state and its residents stand to benefit from cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future,” Heather Caldwell, Ph.D., chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences, said. “The combined efforts of researchers, students, and environmental professionals are poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s environmental health for generations to come. The Department of Biological Sciences and 鶹ӰԺ are fortunate to have our own Dr. Kinsman-Costello leading this team in their impactful work”
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Media Contacts:
Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Ph.D., lkinsman@kent.edu, 330-672-3640
Jim Maxwell, JMAXWEL2@kent.edu, 330-672-8028