Strategies to Improve Water Quality from Managed Peatlands (SWAMP) Project

The Strategies to Improve Water Quality from Managed Peatlands (SWAMP) research project aimed to address key knowledge gaps about water quality degradation in Ireland's peatland areas. This degradation is caused by decades of drainage for industrial and domestic peat extraction. The project reveals how long-term drainage for peat extraction and other land uses have negatively impacted Ireland's rivers and streams. Drained peatlands have leached harmful nutrients, acids, and carbon-rich water into these water bodies. The research focuses on identifying pollution hotspots, measuring the effects of peat soil drainage on water chemistry and aquatic biodiversity, assessing pollution prevention measures, and developing better hydrological models to predict the response of peatlands to drainage and restoration. These findings come at a crucial time as Ireland must address the specific challenges of complying with the Water Framework Directive and fulfilling the Nature Restoration Law.