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

Authors: Hai Wang; Cheng-Cai Huang; Ying Ge; Yi-Wei Mo; Si-Xi Zhu; Jie Chang

Addresses: College of Life Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China ' College of Life Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China ' College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China ' College of Life Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China ' College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guizhou University for Nationalities, Guiyang 550025, China ' College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, China

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.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2014.064579

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2014 Vol.17 No.5, pp.404 - 417

Received: 02 Sep 2013
Accepted: 26 Nov 2013
Published online: 11 Oct 2014 *

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