Abstract
Water pollution by excessive amounts of nitrate (NO3−) has become a global issue. Technologies to clean up nitrate-contaminated water bodies include phytoremediation. In this context, this research aimed to evaluate four tree species (Salix alba L., Populus alba L., Corylus avellana L. and Sambucus nigra L.) to remediate nitrate-contaminated waters (100 and 300 mg L−1). Some physiological parameters showed that S. alba L. and P. alba L. increased particularly photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, dry weight, and transpired water, following the treatments with the above NO3− concentrations. Furthermore, these species were more efficient than the others studied in the phytodepuration of water contaminated by the two NO3− levels. In particular, within 15 days of treatment, S. alba L. and P. alba L. removed nitrate quantities ranging from 39 to 78%. Differently, C. avellana L. and S. nigra L. did not show particular responses regarding the physiological traits studied. Nonetheless, these species removed up to 30% of nitrate from water. In conclusion, these data provide exciting indications on the chance of using S. alba L. and P. alba L. to populate buffer strips to avoid NO3− environmental dispersion in agricultural areas.
Highlights
Nowadays, many anthropogenic activities release large quantities of organic and inorganic substances into the environment, posing severe dangers to aquatic habitats, animal and human health [1,2]
Some physiological parameters showed that S. alba L. and P. alba L. increased photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, dry weight, and transpired water, following the treatments with the above NO3− concentrations
Significant increases in photosynthetic rates were found for Populus and Salix in nitrate-treated plants at 15 days after treatment (DAT), while in Corylus and Sambucus increases in photosynthetic rate were found only at the highest dosage of nitrate (Table 1)
Summary
Many anthropogenic activities release large quantities of organic and inorganic substances into the environment, posing severe dangers to aquatic habitats, animal and human health [1,2]. Industries introduce vast quantities of compounds into the environment [2]; wastewater disposal has a considerable negative influence on the environment [2]. Concerning agriculture, this activity substantially impacts the environment [3]. Nitrogen is among the substances routinely employed in agriculture, causing more than one concerns. It is applied in massive amounts as fertilizers in farming systems [6,7], and for its chemical and physical properties can, through run-off, reach freshwaters [8]. High concentrations of nitrogen dispersed into the environment can lead to freshwaters’ eutrophication, with very adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems [9]
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