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Enhanced remediation of real agricultural runoff in surface-flow constructed wetlands by coupling composite substrate-packed bio-balls, submerged plants and functional bacteria: Performance and mechanisms

  • 0Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China; Yunnan Field Scientific Station for Restoration of Ecological Function in Central Yunnan of China, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
Environmental Research +

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October 12, 2024

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October 12, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Enhanced constructed wetlands with bio-balls, macrophytes, and bacteria significantly improve agricultural runoff purification. These systems effectively remove chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP), mitigating eutrophication.

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Treatment Technologies
  • Microbial Ecology

Background

  • Agricultural runoff is a major source of water pollution, causing eutrophication.
  • Surface-flow constructed wetlands (SFCWs) show limited efficiency in treating nutrient-rich agricultural runoff with low organic matter.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To enhance the remediation efficiency of SFCWs for agricultural runoff.
  • To investigate the combined effects of bio-balls, submerged macrophytes, and denitrifying bacteria on pollutant removal.

Main Methods

  • Utilized SFCW microcosms with suspended bio-balls (zeolite and Fe-C composite), Ceratophyllum demersum, and functional bacteria.
  • Compared pollutant removal efficiencies (COD, TN, TP) against a control group.
  • Analyzed dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics and sediment composition.
  • Examined bacterial community distribution in sediments and bio-ball substrates.

Main Results

  • Bio-ball addition significantly improved removal rates for COD (21.1%), TN (80.2%), and TP (47.5%) compared to the control.
  • Combined treatments with C. demersum and bacteria further boosted pollutant removal efficiencies.
  • Enhanced treatments reduced DOM humification and molecular weight, and decreased organic/nitrogen in sediments.
  • Distinct bacterial communities were identified in sediments and bio-ball substrates, with key genera potentially driving remediation.

Conclusions

  • Intensified SFCWs using bio-balls, macrophytes, and bacteria show high potential for effective agricultural runoff remediation.
  • These integrated systems offer a promising solution for nutrient pollution control in water bodies.

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