Enhancing Neonicotinoid Removal in Recirculating Constructed Wetlands: The Impact of Fe/Mn Biochar and Microbial Interactions

Abstract

Neonicotinoids pose significant environmental risks due to their widespread use, persistence, and challenges in elimination. This study explores the effectiveness of Fe/Mn biochar in enhancing the removal efficiency of neonicotinoids in recirculating constructed wetlands (RCWs). Results demonstrated that incorporating Fe/Mn biochar into RCWs significantly improved the removal of COD, NH4+-N, TN, TP, imidacloprid (IMI), and acetamiprid (ACE). However, the simultaneous presence of IMI and ACE in the RCWs hindered the elimination of NH4+-N, TN, and TP from wastewater. The enhanced removal of nutrients and pollutants by Fe/Mn biochar was attributed to its promotion of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in RCWs, along with its facilitation of the adsorption and biodegradation of IMI and ACE. Metagenomics analysis demonstrated that Fe/Mn biochar altered the structure and diversity of microbial communities in RCWs. A total of 17 biodegradation genes (BDGs) and two pesticide degradation genes (PDGs) were identified within RCWs, with Fe/Mn biochar significantly increasing the abundance of BDGs such as cytochrome P450. The potential host genera for these BDGs/PDGs were identified as Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Nitrospiraceae, Gemmatimonadetes, and Bacillus. This study offers valuable insights into how Fe/Mn biochar enhances pesticide removal and its potential application in constructed wetland systems for treating pesticide-contaminated wastewater.