Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.06.064
Title (Primary) Role of plants in nitrogen and sulfur transformations in floating hydroponic root mats: A comparison of two helophytes
Author Saad, R.A.B.; Kuschk, P.; Wiessner, A.; Kappelmeyer, U. ORCID logo ; Müller, J.A.; Köser, H.
Source Titel Journal of Environmental Management
Year 2016
Department UBT
Volume 181
Page From 333
Page To 342
Language englisch
Keywords Constructed wetlands; Floating hydroponic root mat; Phragmites australis; Juncus effusus; Nitrogen removal; Dissimilatory sulfate reduction
UFZ wide themes RU3;
Abstract Knowledge about the roles helophytes play in constructed wetlands (CWs) is limited, especially regarding their provision of organic rhizodeposits. Here, transformations of inorganic nitrogen and sulfur were monitored in a CW variety, floating hydroponic root mat (FHRM), treating synthetic wastewater containing low concentration of organic carbon. Two helophytes, Phragmites australis and Juncus effusus, were compared in duplicates. Striking differences were found between the FHRM of the two helophytes. Whereas ammonium was removed in all FHRMs to below detection level, total nitrogen of 1.15 ± 0.4 g m−2 d−1 was removed completely only in P. australis systems. The mats with J. effusus displayed effective nitrification but incomplete denitrification as 77% of the removed ammonium-nitrogen accumulated as nitrate. Furthermore, the P. australis treatment units showed on average 3 times higher sulfate-S removal rates (1.1 ± 0.45 g m−2 d−1) than the systems planted with J. effusus (0.37 ± 0.29 g m−2 d−1). Since the influent organic carbon was below the stoichiometric requirement for the observed N and S transformation processes, helophytes’ organic rhizodeposits apparently contributed to these transformations, while P. australis provided about 6 times higher bioavailable organic rhizodeposits than J. effusus.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=17612
Saad, R.A.B., Kuschk, P., Wiessner, A., Kappelmeyer, U., Müller, J.A., Köser, H. (2016):
Role of plants in nitrogen and sulfur transformations in floating hydroponic root mats: A comparison of two helophytes
J. Environ. Manage. 181 , 333 - 342 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.06.064