Nature -based solutions for r: Restoring Bällstaån

Restoring Bällstaån. Exploring nature-based solutions for eutrophication remediation. By Mathilda Lindström and Emma Hermansson

In an era of growing urbanization, maintaining clean and sustainable water environments is crucial for ecosystem health and human well-being. Bällstaån, a stream in Järfälla municipality, faces ecological and chemical challenges due to eutrophication, toxins, andphysical factors, hindering the attainment of sustainable development goals. Nature-basedsolutions (NbS) have gained recognition as an effective approach to addressingeutrophication and as a means to achieving the SDGs. The aim of this project is therefore toexplore possible NbS for eutrophication remediation in Bällstaån. The exploration involvesidentifying what type of NbS can contribute to mitigating eutrophication effects andexamining the factors influencing their implementation and suitability for Bällstaån throughliterature reviews, site analysis and interviews. The results show that various NbS caneffectively address eutrophication in Bällstaån. Explored solutions include constructedwetlands, buffer strips, phytoremediation, and biomanipulation. Constructed wetlands andbuffer strips emerge as more tested options, with phytoremediation and biomanipulationrequiring further investigation. Due to limited space in and around Bällstaån, buffer strips aredeemed preferable. The study also concludes that there are several implementation factorsthat are important to consider for successfully implementing NbS. These include consideringsite-specific complexities, ensuring stakeholder participation and collaboration, prioritizingand planning for maintenance and evaluation, as well as reviewing costs, multi-functionality,and alternative solutions.