Influence of growth conditions on content of monolignols in Phragmites australis’ leaves

Using a cytochemical method and laser confocal microscopy, a sensitivity of content and distribution of monolignols in the leaves of Phragmites australis, grown in different natural conditions, was established. The leaves at stage of vegetative growth of two ecotypes of Ph. australis, which grew in water and on land, were studied. We present results obtained by comparing the data on the leaves of Ph. australis of air-water and terrestrial plants growing in natural conditions (Kyiv, Ukraine). It was found that the decrease in soil moisture leads to an increase in ratio of syringyl monolignol to guaiacyl (S-G) and to an increase in total content of monolignols (S+G) in epidermis and tissues of vessel bundles of the terrestrial plants. It was assumed that changing the ratio of monolignols and changing their content in the epidermis of leaves of terrestrial reed plants is one of the mechanisms of plant adaptation to lower soil moisture, which reduces transpiration and maintains optimal water potential in leaves of Ph. australis growing on land. Based on the obtained experimental data, we believe that high content of syringyl monolignol, which gives high strength to leaves and stems of terrestrial reeds, can serve as a marker for commercial use of these plants in various sectors of economy.

Closing the loop in a constructed wetland for the improvement of metal removal: the use of Phragmites australis biomass harvested from the system as biosorbent

Among the numerous clean-up techniques for water treatment, sorption methods are widely used for the removal of trace metals. Phragmites australis is a macrophyte commonly used in constructed wetlands for water purification, and in the last decades, its use as biosorbent has attracted increasing attention. In view of a circularly economy approach, this study investigated improvement of trace metal removal by recycling the biomass of P. australis colonizing a constructed wetland, which operates as post-treatment of effluent wastewater from an activated sludge plant serving the textile industrial district of Prato (Italy). After the annual mowing of the reed plants, the biomass was dried and blended to derive a sustainable and eco-friendly biosorbent and its sorption capacity for Fe, Cu, and Zn was investigated comparing the batch system with the easier-to-handle column technique. The possibility of regeneration and reuse of the biosorbent was also evaluated. The biomaterial showed an interesting sorption capacity for Cu, Fe, and Zn, both in batch and in column experiments, especially for Fe ions. The immobilization of the biosorbent in column filters induced some improvement in the removal efficiency, and, in addition, this operation mode has the advantage of being much more suitable for practical applications than the batch process.

Oxygen Transfer Capacity as a Measure of Water Aeration by Floating Reed Plants: Initial Laboratory Studies

Reed-Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud, an aquatic plant, commonly used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, supplies oxygen into the subsurface environment. Reed may be used as a ‘green machine’ in the form of a floating vegetation cover with many applications: wastewater lagoons, manure lagoons or sewage sludge lagoons. An important measure of the performance of the plant system is the oxygen transfer capacity (OTC). Accurate prediction of the OTC in relation to reed biomass would be crucial in modelling its influence on organic matter degradation and ammonia–nitrogen oxygenation in such lagoons. Laboratory experiments aiming to determine OTC and its dependence on reed biomass were carried out. Eight plants with a total dry mass ranging from approximately 3 to 7 g were tested. Mean OTC was determined per plant: 0.18 ± 0.21 (g O2·m−3·h−1·plant−1), with respect to leaves-and-stem dry mass (dlsm): 44.91 ± 35.21 (g O2·m−3·h−1·g dlsm−1), and to total dry mass (dtm): 33.25 ± 27.97 (g O2·m−3·h−1·g dtm−1). In relation to the relatively small root dry mass (drm), the OTC value was 136.02 ± 147.19 (g O2·m−3·h−1·g drm−1). Measured OTC values varied widely between the individual plants (variation coefficient 115%), in accordance with their differing size. Oxygenation performance was greatest in the reed plants with larger above ground dry mass (>4 g dlsm), but no influence of the root dry mass on the OTC rate was found.

Highly enhanced adsorption performance of tetracycline antibiotics on KOH-activated biochar derived from reed plants

Organic pollutants in water are an increasingly prominent problem.

EFFECT OF ADDITION OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FORMIC ACID AND UREA ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FERMENTATION CHARACTERISTICS OF WILD REED PHRAGMITIS COMMUNIS SILAGE

This study was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the effect of addition of different levels of formic acid (FA) and urea on chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of common reed silages. About 400-500g of silage samples were prepared by treating chopped reed plants (2-3 cm) with solutions containing 10% of date juice, 0.5, 1 or 1.5% of FM and 0, 1 or 2% of urea. Silage samples were packed in double nylon bags and stored anaerobically for 60 days. Results showed that green color was roughly dominant in most samples of silage with vinegar odor. Samples were well aggregated with little mold was observed in few urea untreated silages. Results revealed also that increasing level of FA from 0.5 to 1 and 1.5% increased (P˂0.01) contents of dry matter (DM) by 0.79 and 1.15%, and crude protein (CP) by 1.42 and 2.11% respectively, and decreased (P˂0.01) ether extract (EE), by 0.29 and 0.63%. About effect of urea levels, most variables pointed out that there was a decrease may be occurred in fermentations due to a significant decrease in contents of DM (P˂0.01) and EE (P˂0.05). Content of crude fiber (CF) was decreased (P˂0.01) from 44.7 to 43 and 41.1% for 0, 1and 2% levels of urea respectively. Results showed that there was a decrease (P˂0.01) in pH values from 5.90 to 4.99 and 4.88, concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), from 1.19 to 0.75 and 0.66% of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) from 6.56 to 4.61 and 4.14 mmol/100 g DM of silage samples as a result of addition of FA at levels of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% respectively. However, increasing urea levels from 0 to 1 and 2% associated with an increase (P˂0.01) in fermentation parameters, 5.02, 5.06 and 5.70 for pH, 0.67, 0.98 and 0.95 for NH3-N and 3.70, 5.53 and 6.07 mmol/100 g DM for TVFA respectively

Does the genetic variability of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud determine the spatial distribution of the species?

This paper is an attempt to answer the question whether common reed specimens growing in a particular habitat are genetically related. We have tried to identify groups of plants homogeneous in terms of habitat requirements and genetic similarity. Our objective was also to answer the question whether habitat conditions can affect the morphological characteristics of plants. Plants and bottom sediments were collected from 40 sites in central Poland, which differ in soil moisture and the degree of urbanization. Our research and analysis confirm the hypothesis to a certain extent. During the study, we identified three groups of plants homogeneous in terms of habitat and genetic factors (CVA model), which constitute 20% of all examined plants. In our opinion, further research is required on a larger population of P. australis in a larger area. The research revealed that plants growing in moist and wet areas were characterized by higher content of chlorophyll in leaves, longer stems as well as thicker and wider laminae. The common reed plants preferred anthropogenic substrates, which did not contain many nutrients, but were abundant in calcium. Our study confirmed the high tolerance of P. australis to soil salinity.

CREATION OF REED CADASTRES

In Latvia the total renewable energy resource volume has not been fully evaluated. Reed exploitation for energy output has not been developed on a large scale. One of the factors for this is the lack of information about to reed resource spread and characteristics. Therefore, there arises the need for a united inventory system – the formation of a reed cadaster. The study contains information on basic principles of reed cadastre creation and research methodologies. The reed cadaster is a list of the reed researches which contains information about the reed areas in Latvia, the volume and locations, the legal status, possibilities for exploitation, as well as the biomass qualities, in each specific water reservoir. For each water reservoir, which is included in the reed cadaster, a certificate and chart have been produced. Information about the reed locations in each specific lake have been shown on the cadaster chart; the boundaries of the water reservoir, the boundaries of the reed plants and areas, the natural habitat protected area boundaries, the district boundaries, as well as the access roads. The data for reed characteristics and accessible volumes is compiled in the water reservoir cadaster passport. Development for reed exploitation in the conditions of Latvia is dependent on the location, accessible volumes and existing infrastructure. Reeds are a long term renewable energy resource, with the spread of reeds increasing every year.

Shared species of the spontaneous flora of a West African (Burkina Faso) and a Central European country (Germany)

In spite of enormous climatic differences between Burkina Faso and Germany, 20 species belong to the spontaneous flora of both countries, i.e. 1% of the flora of Burkina Faso and 0.15 % of the German flora. All of them are either ruderal and segetal species (16) or water and reed plants (4). All of the 16 ruderals/segetals are therophytes. From a recent point of view, most of the 20 species can be classified as cosmopolitan, because they cover three and more floristic zones, and/or at least three climatic zones, and/or are represented in at least three continents. Although Burkina Faso has a semi-arid climate, none of the species can be called a sclero- or xerophyte. Therefore, in Burkina Faso, all are more or less bound to habitats at least temporarily flooded or to humid soils. In Germany, however, the concerned ruderals, with one exception, are indicators of medium dry or dry habitats.