Abstract
Removal efficiency of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in constructed wetlands were analyzed, and microorganisms removal function performed by copepods was determined. The results showed that the constructed wetlands effectively reduced Escherichia coli, fecal streptococci, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms, the Salmonella spp. removal efficiency was relatively low and the Clostridium perfringens removal was the least. At copepods concentrations of 3.0 × 102/L, and 6.0 × 102/L, high die-off rates were observed for indicator and pathogenic microorganisms compared to the control group, and indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in samples with higher concentration of copepods decreased much more rapidly than those in samples with lower concentration. These results suggest that predation by copepods is an important mechanism for the removal of bacteria in constructed wetlands.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (30670399). We would also like to thank Dr. Jun Cao (Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Yunsheng Zhang (Jiaonan Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility) for their assistance.
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Song, Z.W., Wu, L., Yang, G. et al. Indicator Microorganisms and Pathogens Removal Function Performed by Copepods in Constructed Wetlands. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 81, 459–463 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-008-9527-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-008-9527-1