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Effect of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics on PCBs removal in constructed wetlands planted with Myriophyllum aquaticum
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In constructed wetlands planted with Myriophyllum aquaticum, polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics of varying sizes did not significantly change overall PCB removal rates but altered the dynamics of PCB fate, raising concerns about combined contaminant interactions in wetland treatment systems.
The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is an emerging environmental concern. Wetland plants, with their unique anaerobic-aerobic environments, offer a promising approach for PCBs removal. However, the impact of MPs and NPs on PCBs dynamics in constructed wetlands is not well understood. This study examined the influence of polystyrene MPs and NPs of two different sizes on PCBs fate in constructed wetlands featuring Myriophyllum aquaticum. Results showed that although there was no significant difference in overall PCBs removal rates, the presence of MPs increased residues of highly chlorinated PCBs from 331 μg/kg to 379 μg/kg, while the presence of NPs increased residues of lightly chlorinated PCBs from 125 μg/kg to 153 μg/kg. Additionally, MPs and NPs increased plant uptake of PCBs from 0.08% to 0.10-0.14%, despite potential inhibition of plant growth. While MPs/NPs elevated microorganism counts, they did not affect microbial diversity or community structure. Importantly, MPs significantly inhibited the main PCB-dechlorinating bacteria (Dehalococcoidia) and had a greater impact on PCB-degrading enzymes (dioxygenase, K03381) compared to NPs. This study highlights the complex interactions between MPs/NPs and PCBs in wetland environments and their implications for bioremediation strategies.
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastic accumulation in constructed wetlands initially improved nitrogen removal efficiency but ultimately impaired treatment performance over a 370-day experiment, altering substrate characteristics and microbial community activities.
Polystyrene microplastics accumulation in lab-scale vertical flow constructed wetlands: impacts and fate
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Researchers tested how polystyrene microplastics affect constructed wetlands, a nature-based system used to treat wastewater. They found that while the wetlands still removed most pollutants effectively, nitrogen removal decreased by up to 5% in the presence of microplastics, and the particles accumulated mainly in the upper layers of the wetland substrate. The study suggests that microplastics can alter the microbial communities responsible for breaking down nitrogen in these treatment systems.
Fate and biological uptake of polystyrene nanoparticles in freshwater wetland ecosystems
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Researchers studied the fate of polystyrene nanoparticles released into freshwater wetland ecosystems using controlled mesocosm experiments. They found that the wetlands effectively retained the nanoplastics, with most particles ending up in sediments while some were taken up by invertebrates and aquatic plants. The study suggests that wetlands may act as natural sinks for nanoplastic pollution, but that organisms within these ecosystems are exposed through biological uptake.
Nanoplastics Disturb Nitrogen Removal in Constructed Wetlands: Responses of Microbes and Macrophytes
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The impact of nanosized plastics on nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands was investigated by examining microbial community responses and denitrification processes. Nanoplastics disturbed biological nitrogen removal in the wetland system, with microorganisms showing altered community structure and reduced denitrification efficiency.
Unveiling the microplastic perturbation on surface flow constructed wetlands with macrophytes of different life forms: Responses of nitrogen removal and sensory quality
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Polystyrene microplastics initially boosted nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands used for water treatment, but over time they reduced removal efficiency by 25-34% and harmed the beneficial bacteria responsible for cleaning the water. This means microplastic contamination could undermine natural water treatment systems that communities rely on for clean water.
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