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Highly efficient nitrate removal in sulfur-based constructed wetlands: Microbial mechanisms and environmental risks
Jiaxing Lu1, Lu Dong2, Zizhang Guo1
1School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
Bioresource Technology
|November 3, 2023
Summary
Sulfur-based constructed wetlands (CWs) effectively remove 95% of groundwater nitrate. However, they produce sulfate by-products, impacting plant nutrient uptake, while enriching key denitrifiers and enhancing nitrate removal genes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nitrate contamination in groundwater is a significant environmental and health concern.
- Constructed wetlands (CWs) are explored for groundwater remediation.
- Sulfur-based CWs offer a potential solution for nitrate removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of sulfur-based CWs in removing nitrate from contaminated groundwater.
- To elucidate the mechanisms behind nitrate removal in these systems.
- To assess the environmental risks associated with sulfur-based CWs.
Main Methods:
- Performance evaluation of sulfur-based CWs for nitrate removal.
- Analysis of removal mechanisms, including microbial and biogeochemical processes.
- Metagenomic analysis to identify key microbial communities and genes.
- Assessment of environmental risks, such as sulfate by-product formation.
Main Results:
- Sulfur-based CWs achieved a high nitrate removal efficiency of 95%.
- Sulfate was identified as a major by-product, potentially inhibiting plant nutrient assimilation.
- Metagenomic analysis revealed enrichment of autotrophic denitrifiers (e.g., Thiobacillus) and enhanced nitrate reduction genes.
- A distinct sulfur cycle was established, correlating with high nitrate removal.
Conclusions:
- Sulfur-based CWs are highly effective for groundwater nitrate remediation.
- Understanding the sulfur cycle and microbial communities is crucial for optimizing CW performance.
- Potential impacts of sulfate by-products on plant assimilation and overall ecosystem health require further consideration.
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