This review discussed the properties of biological factors affecting the function of phosphorus (P) sink of wetlands, and proposed the applicability of microbes, especially periphyton in phosphorus removal. Microbes have a large potential in natural purification of water, because they have fast growth rates and outcompete macrophytes in taking up P. The degree of P uptake by microbes, especially periphyton appears largely to depend on P and light availability and their biomass. As long as there is sufficient light, periphyton can accrue biomass in the system, assuming losses from herbivory and disturbance are not too great. This large periphyton biomass can reduce P concentrations in the water column via uptake and adsorption, and thereby being able to reduce algal blooms. This idea can be applicable to ameliorate water quality by introducing constructed wetlands and shallow ponds in the incoming region of rivers or lakes. The future studies are required to accumulate data on P cycling between microbes and environmental parameters in wetlands.