The influence of plant roots on the clogging process and the extractive capacity of nutrients/pollutants in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands

Abstract

The root system of plants grown in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF CWs), although it favors the removal of nutrients/pollutants from the wastewater under treatment, can contribute to the clogging of these systems. The objective of this work was therefore to evaluate the influence of Vetiver and Tifton 85 grass roots on the process of clogging and extraction of nutrients/pollutants in HSSF CWs. The drainable porosity in the medium was quantified before planting and after 250 days of cultivating the above-mentioned grass, having obtained the volume, productivity and nutrient extraction of the roots and shoots of these plants. There was a reduction in the porosity of the medium in the HSSF CWs due to the development of roots of the Vetiver and Tifton 85 grasses in the medium, however these roots occupied only 3.07 and 4.11% of the total pore space, respectively, and therefore are not factors of great influence in clogging process. HSSF CWs cultivated with Vetiver grass presented higher extractions of K and P by the roots, especially when the medium saturating solution presented greater availability of nutrients. On the other hand, higher extraction capacity of nutrients/pollutants was presented by the Tifton 85 shoots.