Aquatic macrophytes can be used for wastewater polishing but not for purification. At a low nutrient loading M. spicatum and A. filiculoides performed equally well for P removal, whereas at loads ≥ 22 mg P m⁻² d⁻¹, A. filiculoides removes P more efficiently. We provide an easily applicable method to select efficient macrophytes species for wastewater polishing, which is essential for decision support in water management using constructed wetlands for nutrient removal by plant harvesting.