Journal of Environmental Biology

Selection of woody species for wastewater enhancement and  restoration of riparian woodlands

M. Adrover*, A.L. Forss, G. Ramon, J. Vadell, G. Moya and A. Martinez Taberner

Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands - 07122, Palma de Mallorca,  Spain

(Received: March 01, 200; Revised received: August 10, 2007; Accepted: September 04, 2007)

Abstract: Growth and nutrient uptake of seven tree species were evaluated with the goal of selecting the species that can be used for wastewater enhancement by dendro-purification, or green tree filtering, and for restoration of riparian woodlands. Trees were grown in pots with an inert mixture of perlite and vermiculite and irrigated with either nutrient solution or treated wastewater. We measured the effects of species and irrigation water on biomass and nutrient content of leaves, stems and roots. For most of the species, treated wastewater had a positive effect on final biomass and above ground: below ground ratio compared to that of nutrient solution. However, growth of Cupressus sempervirens and Populus nigra were inhibited by water sodium concentration. Nerium oleander, Tamarix africana and Vitex agnus-castus were the species with the greatest final biomass. Pistacia terebinthus had the highest nitrogen and phosphorus content in leaves, stems and roots, while N. oleander and V. agnus-castus showed the best potassium accumulation. In general, P. terebinthus, N. oleander, T. africana and V. agnus-castus were the best qualified species for purification of wastewater.

Key words:   Wastewater reuse, Dendro-purification, Nutrient uptake, Mineral content

PDF of full length paper is available with author (maria.adrover@uib.es)

Copyright © 2008 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).