Original scientific paper
Potential for Using Wild Aquatic and Marshland Plant Species in Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment
Zvjezdana Stančić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6124-811X
; Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Lucija Baić
; Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Valentina Kraš
; Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Constructed wetlands provide an ecological and inexpensive method of wastewater treatment. In the Republic of Croatia, there are several constructed wetlands, and also the opportunity to build new ones. They work on the principle of natural eutrophic water ecosystems. Organic matter and nutrients are the main pollutants in most wastewater. Microorganisms and plants incorporate such substances into their cells and produce biomass, in this way purifying the water. Among the plant species, in Croatia, the most commonly used is reed, and rarely anything else. In contrast, Croatian flora and vegetation are known for their high biodiversity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using a larger number of wild aquatic and marshland plant species in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. Eighty species were selected, all native to aquatic and marshland habitats with different environmental conditions. The plant species were analysed with respect to division into aquatic and marshland species, plant height, depth of roots, and adaptation to environmental conditions using ecological indices (for light, temperature, continentality, moisture, soil reaction, nutrients and salinity). The results showed that the plant species have very different properties and can be used in constructed wetlands with very different and specific technological requirements. For instance, for the treatment of municipal and domestic wastewater which contains large amounts of nutrients and is of approximately neutral reaction, in the conditions of a continental climate, suitable plants include reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud.); broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia L.), lakeshore bulrush (Scirpus lacustris L.), great manna grass (Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmb.), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), simplestem bur-reed (Sparganium erectum L.), yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus L.), spiked water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.), common duckweed (Lemna minor L.), star duckweed (Lemna trisulca L.) and others. In constructed wetlands, one or more species can be used.The possible advantages of using a larger number of plant species are: to improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment, for constructed wetlands to serve as replacement aquatic and marshland habitats for plant and animal species, and to contribute to the aesthetic value of the landscape.
Keywords
Macrophytes; water purification; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
162339
URI
Publication date:
4.7.2016.
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