Besides tertiary treatment, which method can municipalities employ to mitigate cultural eutrophication?

Planting riparian vegetation is a highly effective method for mitigating cultural eutrophication, which is essentially the nutrient enrichment of aquatic ecosystems, often due to human activities. Riparian zones, or the areas adjacent to bodies of water, are crucial in filtering out pollutants, including excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that can lead to algal blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion in water bodies.

By establishing vegetation along these zones, municipalities can enhance sediment retention and promote the absorption of nutrients before they enter the aquatic environment. The roots of the plants stabilize the soil, reducing runoff, while the foliage and root systems can uptake some of the nutrients. Additionally, the vegetation provides habitat for wildlife and contributes to overall ecosystem health, helping to maintain the balance of the aquatic system.

Other options, while potentially beneficial in addressing water quality and overall environmental health, do not target the specific process of nutrient enrichment in the same direct manner as planting riparian vegetation does.