Variation in plant biomass and nitrogen removal in two wetland blocks with species composition

Hai Wang, Cheng-Cai Huang, Ying Ge, Yi-Wei Mo, Si-Xi Zhu and Jie Chang

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2014, vol. 17, issue 5, 404-417

Abstract: The variation in plant biomass and nitrogen (N) removal capacity with species composition was studied in two constructed wetlands. Findings indicated that increased species compositions had a positive influence on plant biomass and a negative effect on the inorganic N concentrations in substrate and substrate solution (effluent). Elevated N concentrations enhanced the effects of species compositions on plant biomass. The Cyperus alternifolius + Arundo donax mixture produced the largest plant biomass and the smallest inorganic N concentrations in substrate. The Cyperus alternifolius + Coix lacryma-jobi + Arundo donax and the Cyperus alternifolius+ Coix lacryma-jobi + Lythrum salicaria + Arundo donax mixtures produced the largest plant biomass under high N condition (146 g N m⁻² yr⁻¹). In general, the three- and four-species compositions produced the largest plant biomass and the smallest inorganic N concentrations in substrate and effluent. It suggests that plant mixtures are useful in increasing plant biomass and the wastewater N removal capacity.

Keywords: constructed wetlands; environmental management; ecosystem functions; nitrogen removal; plant biomass; plant diversity; wastewater treatment. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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