Pampas Grass Research Articles

Systematic review of the uses of Cortaderia selloana (Poaceae), an invasive plant

Background and Aims: Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas Grass, manifests as an invasive plant across numerous countries with predominant studies focused on its control measures (physical, biological, and chemical approaches). Native to South America, this perennial tussock grass negatively impacts economic, environmental, and human health. This study aims to explore the diverse uses of Cortaderia selloana in geographical, cultural and ecological contexts, to provide insights into its applications, and to contribute to socio-economic and ecological understanding. Methods: This study comprises a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was conducted in EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect and Web of Science using the search question “("Cortaderia selloana") AND ("use" OR "purpose") NOT (“control”)”. Two researchers independently reviewed the titles and abstracts, applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracting data on various aspects covered in the selected studies. Key results: A total of 88 articles were retrieved of which 16 were included in this systematic review. This study described diverse applications attributed to Cortaderia selloana, including wastewater treatment, composite synthesis, traditional medicine, bioremediation, biorefining, product development in the automobile industry and decoration. The utilization of this invasive species demonstrated socio-economic and environmental benefits, providing a novel perspective on transforming something harmful into a resource with various applications. Furthermore, the necessity for more research is emphasized, to enhance understanding of known applications and explore new potential uses. This study's main limitation is that it only includes peer-reviewed articles from selected databases. Conclusions: This research provides valuable insights into the diverse uses of Cortaderia selloana across geographical, cultural, and ecological contexts. These findings underscore the importance of considering both the beneficial applications and the challenges posed by this invasive species in order to inform balanced and sustainable management practices.

Monographs on invasive plants in Europe N°8: Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Asch. & Graebn

ABSTRACT Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Asch. & Graebn. (Pampas grass) is a perennial grass native to temperate and subtropical regions of South America. The species was introduced to western Europe for ornamental purposes during the nineteenth century, where it has become naturalized in anthropogenic and natural habitats, especially in sandy, open, and disturbed areas. Female plants of C. selloana produce thousands of seeds that are dispersed over long distances by wind and germinate readily. Its invasive success is also attributed to its ability to adapt and tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, such as high salinity levels, long droughts, and soil chemical pollution. Cortaderia selloana usually invades human-disturbed habitats where it encounters little competition with other plants and high resource availability. However, the species can invade natural habitats, especially those with high light availability, causing biodiversity loss and changes in ecosystem functioning (e.g. alteration of succession and nutrient dynamics). The species may cause negative socio-economic impacts by reducing productivity of tree plantations, causing respiratory allergies, and decreasing the recreational value of invaded areas. Control costs are high due to the extensive root system that C. selloana develops and the high resprouting ability following physical damage. Although herbicides are effective control measures, their use is not allowed or is undesirable in all situations where the plant occurs (e.g. near riverbanks, natural protected sites). No biological control agents have been released on C. selloana to date, but the planthopper Sacchasydne subandina and the gall midge Spanolepis selloanae are promising targets.

Knowing the invader: increasing knowledge about an invasive plant to improve management

Pampas grass is an invasive alien plant with negative consequences for ecosystems, human health, and economy. Although diverse aspects of its biology and the ecology have been studied, some information relevant to its management is still missing. We studied the ecological characteristics of seeds and plants relevant to management and habitat restoration, namely morphological and reproductive traits in female and hermaphrodite plants, flower development, seed longevity, and germinability under different conditions. Female and hermaphrodite plants showed significant differences regarding reproductive traits, but not for morphological traits. Female plants are largely responsible for the dispersal of the species, while hermaphrodite plants primarily serve as pollen donors, contributing to off‐season allergies. In general, seeds of female plants are mature 3–4 weeks from the onset of flower development and are dispersed by wind until after 4 months, but timings are influenced by weather conditions. The species is very adaptable and can germinate in different soils (85% in fluvisols, 65% in podzols, and 35% in solonchak), water salinities (77 and 75% in freshwater, 28 and 38% in mesohaline, and 7 and 35% in polihaline waters, in laboratory and field, respectively), and moisture conditions (50 and 33% in soaked conditions, and 25 and 80% in moistened conditions, in laboratory and field, respectively). Seeds lack dormancy, are short‐lived (up to 1 year in the field and 3 years in optimal storage conditions), and are easily destroyed at 40°C temperatures in dark conditions. Implications of these findings for the management of the species are discussed.

Public perceptions about the invasive pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana: a case study of environmentally conscious citizens in Southern Europe

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass), native to South America, is a widespread invasive plant in several regions of the World, including the south of the Atlantic Arc (Europe), where it has been used as an ornamental species. Citizens may help to spread it, e.g., planting it in their gardens, but on the other hand, when they are aware of its invasiveness, can contribute to control it and prevent its spread. An online survey was performed to better understand the perception and knowledge of Portuguese and Spanish citizens, regarding pampas grass. The influence of education and occupation, along with age, gender and country of residence, on the knowledge and perceptions of respondents was analysed. The questionnaire was answered by 486 and 839 citizens in Portugal (PT) and Spain (ES), respectively. Most respondents were between 41 and 64 years old, mostly women in Portugal and equally women and men in Spain, with higher education and working mostly in the services sector. The majority of respondents in both countries recognized the plant, knew it is invasive and were able to name it, alerting to a possible bias of the target audience toward citizens already aware of the invasiveness of the pampas grass. Fewer respondents were aware of the legislation that limits its use, and most were unable to identify particular characteristics of the species. The results showed that respondents' occupation in PT and education in ES influenced their knowledge and perception about pampas grass. This study confirms that education and raising awareness regarding invasive species is of utmost importance, as respondents identified academic training and projects with a strong focus on public awareness as the main sources of knowledge regarding pampas grass. Better informed citizens can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem, especially regarding invasive species with such ornamental interest as pampas grass.

Location matters: survival of artificial nests is higher in small grassland patches and near the patch edge

Nest survival is an important part of breeding success in grassland ecosystems, and the location of nests can determine vulnerability to different predators. We conducted an experiment with artificial nests to evaluate jointly the predation rate on nests at different spatial scales (landscape, patch and tussock) and the relative abundance of potential nest predators (small mammals and birds) in a temperate grassland area. In November 2014 and 2016, we installed 288 artificial nests in Common Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana grasslands in the southeastern Pampas region, Argentina. The nests were placed in two 10‐ha plots in a continuous grassland patch (c. 900 ha) within a reserve and in two small grassland patches (1.5 and 1.8 ha) in an agricultural matrix (landscape‐scale), at the patch edge and inside the patches (patch‐scale), and at two heights within the tussock grass (tussock‐scale). In 2016, we also conducted live trapping of small mammals and surveyed birds along strip transects at the sampling sites. Nests located in patches within an agricultural matrix and near the edge had greater relative survival than those set in the reserve and inside the patches, respectively. This might be explained by the lower relative abundance of small mammals that we found outside the reserve. Artificial nest survival values recorded at the landscape‐scale contrasted with those previously observed for natural nests. Our results could be partly explained by differences in nest density between agro‐patches and those within the reserve. Future studies could also evaluate the role of parental nest defence on nest survival.

Drying and dehydration of native ornamental plants of Arunachal Pradesh and its value addition

Wild and underutilized plant species particularly ornamental flowers and foliage can be converted into value added products using drying and dehydration technique. The present studies have been carried out to explore the potential of wild ornamental plants of Arunachal Pradesh for the purpose of dry flower making. The plant parts have been collected from different places viz. Pasighat, Bodak, Renging, Menchuka, Bomdilla, Tenga Valley, Yingkiong, etc. A total of fourteen (14) potential plant species had been identified for drying and dehydration without any loss in quality and appearance. The species identified includes Pteridium aquilinum (Eagle Fern/Western Bracken Fern), Lycopodium clavatum (Stag’s Horn Clubmoss/Ground pine), Nicandra phylasoides (Apple of Peru), Scirpus cyperinus (Wool grass), Barleria cristata (Phillipine violet), Cortaderia selloana (Pampas grass), Anaphilis busua (Tall pearly everlasting), Miscanthus spp. (Silver grass), lichens, Phragmites spp. (common reed grass), Davallia bullata (Rabbit foot fern), Tillandsia spp. (Spanish moss), Elsholtzia cristata (Crested late summer mint) and Setaria parviflora (Bristly foxtail). Maximum number of genera belongs to the family of Poaceae followed by Cyperaceae. Seed heads of Cortaderia selloana, Miscanthus spp., Phragmites spp., Erioscirpus comosus, Scirpus cyperinus, Setaria parviflora; leaves of Pteridium aquilinum, Lycopodium clavatum, Davallia bullata; fruits of Nicandra phylasoides, Elsholtzia cristata; flower of Anaphilis busua; dried calyx of Barleria cristata and stem of Tillandsia spp. had also been used for drying and value addition. A cottage industry based on floral craft can become a new area for self-employment of rural youth’s and women through this creative occupation. The quest for searching new materials which can be utilized as dried flowers never ends and in fact is the demand of the hour.

Performance evaluation of vetiver and pampas plants in reducing the hazardous ions of treated municipal wastewater for agricultural irrigation water use

Abstract Phytoremediation is one of the simple and cost-effective methods introduced in recent years as a solution for eliminating environmental pollution. This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using vetiver grass and pampas grass plants in removing the main pollutants and improving the physical and chemical properties of the treated municipal wastewater, for use in agriculture and drip irrigation systems. This study was conducted in the form of a factorial experiment with two factors of plant type (vetiver grass and pampas grass) and residence time (in five levels: 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days) and in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that although both plant types had a high potential to reduce the undesirable properties of treated wastewater with a residence time of 15 days, pampas grass exhibited better performance in most of the studied characteristics. This plant, even with a residence time of 3 days, reduced the concentration of chloride, sodium, calcium, carbonate, and bicarbonate and also the sedimentation index by 58.82, 38.64, 40.03, 73.91, 45.44, and 88.16%, respectively. Moreover, pampas grass reduced the salinity and hardness of water by 48.84 and 23.32%, respectively, and the electrical conductivity and TDS by at least 18.32% in 3 days. According to the findings of this study, pampas grass is a better option than its competitor, vetiver grass, to reduce pollution in treated urban wastewater and improve wastewater quality for use in agriculture and drip irrigation systems.

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass)

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass)

Allergenicity to worldwide invasive grass Cortaderia selloana as environmental risk to public health

Allergies to grass pollen affects about 20% of the population worldwide. In the last few decades, the South American grass Cortaderia selloana (CS, Pampas grass) has expanded worldwide in a variety of countries including the USA, Australia and Western Europe. In many of these locations, CS has strikingly spread and has now been classified an invasive species. Many pernicious consequences of CS have been reported for local biodiversity, landscape and structures. However, the effect on human health has not been studied. To investigate this issue, we have chosen a European region on the northern cost of Spain where CS spread is overwhelming, Cantabria. We obtained CS pollen extract and analysed the allergenic reaction of 98 patients that were allergic to pollen of local grasses. We determined the skin reaction and the presence of specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to CS or to a typical autochthonous grass, Phleum pratense. We also compared the seasonal symptoms with reported grass pollen counts in the area. The results strongly suggest that CS can cause respiratory allergies at a similar extent to the local grasses. Given that CS pollinises later than the local grasses, this would extend the period of grass allergies in the region for about three months every year, as stated by most of the patients. This is the first study reported on the effects of the striking expansion of CS on human health. Considering the strong impact that respiratory allergies have on the population, our results suggest that CS can currently constitute a relevant environmental health issue.

Hydrothermal treatment as a complementary tool to control the invasive Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)

The rapid spread of invasive Pampas grass (PG) is having not only ecosystems impact, but also significant economic and social effects. The tonnes of bulky waste from the plant disposal require proper treatment to avoid seed dispersal, greenhouse gas emissions and landscape damage. In the pursuit of zero-waste management, hydrothermal treatment (HT) appears as a challenging alternative. The possibility of mobile HT systems offers an alternative to accomplish on-site both the PG waste management and the application of the resulting by-products within a circular framework. As a first step, this research shows that, without a prior drying step, the hydrothermal treatment at 100-230 °C under autogenous water vapor pressure for only 30 min allows safe seeds inertization, while a stable carbon-enriched solid and an aqueous stream are generated. Prolonging the process for 2 h has no profitable effects. As the reaction temperature increases, the PG residue is converted into a material with 49–58 wt% of carbon, 41–32 wt% of oxygen and 3–4 wt% of ash. The pH (~6.3), low electrical conductivity (1.21–0.86 dS/m), high carbon content, open porosity (5–8 m2/g) and improved performance in seed germination and in the early growth test suggest the potential of HT-solids derived at 100–120 °C as amendment to sequester carbon in the soil and improve its physico-biological properties. The phytotoxicity detected in the peat/lignite-like solids obtained at 200–230 °C limits its application in soil, but calorific values of 22–24 MJ/kg indicate their suitability as CO2-neutral fuel. The agrochemical analysis of the liquid by-products indicates poor value on their own, but their use supplemented with compost may be an option.

The effects of phytoremediation of treated urban wastewater on the discharge of surface and subsurface drippers (Case study: Gorgan wastewater treatment plant in northern Iran)

Clogging of drippers in drip irrigation systems is one of the main problems in exploiting unconventional water resources such as saline water and wastewater. Therefore, developing a method for avoiding the pores’ clogging is an essential step in exploiting these water resources to compensate for the shortage of freshwater in droughts. Various methods, including chemical, physical, and biological techniques, have been introduced in this regard, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of phytoremediation on preventing clogging of surface and subsurface drippers when using well water and treated wastewater. The experiments were conducted at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, northern Iran. Experiments were performed in the form of split plots with six treatments and three replications to investigate the phytoremediation effects of Vetiver ( Chrysopogonzizanioides ), Pampas ( Cortaderiaselloana ), and control (no phytoremediation) for well water and treated wastewater on preventing drippers clogging in surface and subsurface irrigation systems for 105 days. The results showed that during the 3-day retention time, Pampas grass performed better compared to Vetiver and control in reducing the dripper clogging evaluation indexes, including Langelier saturation index (LSI), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), total hardness (TH), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Compared to control, this decrease in Pampas grass was 85.93%, 38.23%, 20.75%, and 16.85% for the above indexes, respectively. On the other hand, during the 105 days of the experiment, the maximum discharge of surface and subsurface drippers was 4.27 and 2.17 L/h, respectively, when using Pampas grass for well water. Similar results were obtained when using this plant for refining wastewater. The findings of this study revealed that the dripper discharges when using Pampas grass for both surface and subsurface drippers and for both water types are significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those for control or when using Vetiver for phytoremediation. Therefore, when using wastewater, Pampas grass can be practically used in complementary treatment units of drip irrigation systems to reduce operating costs. • The possibility of using treated urban wastewater has investigated in surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems by phytoremediation process. • The effects of Vetiver and Pampas in purifying and reduction of problematic ions in the wastewater, as well as reducing the drippers clogging has compared. • Using the phytoremediation process by Pampas grass and Vetiver grass, can significantly reduce drippers clogging when using treated wastewater and even well water. • Phytoremediation of treated wastewater by Pampas grass showed better performance in reduction of the drippers clogging indicators.

Heat-insulating properties of hollow Al2O3–ZrO2(CeO2)fibers fabricated using pampas grass as the template

Al2O3–ZrO2(CeO2) ceramic fibers have good heat insulation and high-temperature resistance. Pampas grass is a large perennial grass, or a natural fiber, with a hollow structure that can improve the heat insulation of the fiber by changing its heat transfer mode. This study introduces a method for the preparation of biomorphic Al2O3–ZrO2(CeO2) fibers with a hollow structure and a double-layer-tube structure using the pampas grass as thetemplate. Hollow ceramic fibers with good thermal insulation properties were prepared by soaking the pampas grass in ZrOCl2, Ce(NO3)3, and AlCl3 solutions before sintering them at high temperatures. When the zirconia doping ratio was 11 mol%, the biomorphic fiber with a double-layer-tube structure was prepared. The biomorphic fibers inherited the hollow structure of the pampas grass and retained the template fiber'scharacteristics of excellent continuity and a high degree of hollowness, whichdecreased the thermal conductivity of the fibers.

IMPROVING TOLERANCE OF CORTADERIA SELLOANA PLANTS TO IRRIGATION WATER SALINITY THROUGH SALICYLIC ACID APPLICATION

In order to improve the ability of the Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass) seedlings to withstand the salinity of irrigation water, a pot experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening, Res. Dept., Hort. Res. Inst., ARC, Giza, Egypt during 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons. Seedlings were irrigated with a saline water containing NaCl at concentrations of 0, 6000, 8000 and 10000 ppm and sprayed with salicylic acid (SA) at concentrations of 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The results showed that irrigation with saline water led to a remarkable gradual decrease in all vegetative, flowering and root characteristics as well as the contents of total carbohydrates and chlorophylls with increasing salinity levels, this was accompanied with more accumulation of proline, sodium and chlorine in leaves. Regarding foliar spraying with SA, there was an increment in vegetative, floral and root characteristics due to increasing SA concentrations until reaching the maximum growth rate at a concentration of 150 ppm, and it also increased the leaf content of total carbohydrates, total chlorophylls and proline. On the other hand, SA reduced the accumulation of sodium and chlorine in the leaves. The interaction between SA and saline water treatments cleared that SA application ameliorated the adverse effects of salinity on shoots, flowers and root growth. The best results were obtained with SA at 150 ppm for plants under a salinity of 6000 ppm, where this interaction achieved the best vegetative and floral growth equal or better than control in most cases. Accordingly, it may be recommended to spray Cortaderia selloana with a solution of SA at a rate of 150 ppm once every three weeks to obtain good growth under salinity stress of water up to 6000 ppm conditions

Investigation of reactive Blue 19 biodegradation and byproducts toxicity assessment using crude laccase extract from Trametes versicolor

Crude laccase potency on biodegradation and detoxification of Reactive blue 19 (RB-19) were demonstrated, along with prediction of degradation mechanisms, pathways and byproducts analysis. Trametes versicolor, cultured on pampas grass inflorescence (Cortaderia selloana), yielded the best crude laccase activity (15.36 U/g). 10 U CLE activities demonstrated a biodegradation yield (85%) in 210 min, at pH 4, 50 °C and 200 mg/L RB-19 concentrations. Evolution of a brown color that absorbed maximally at 478 nm was observed during biodegradation. Two methods were adopted for byproducts extraction, three methods for toxicity analysis and four models for kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) determination. 2-ethylanthracene, 2-hydroxycyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one, 2(4-methylphenyl)-ethan-1-amine, 1-[6-hydroperoxy-4,5-bis(sulfooxy)oxan-3-yl]triaza-1,2-dien-2-ium, naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid and N-[(5-oxooxolan-2-yl)methyl]acetamide were detected as toxic byproducts. Brown color evolution was due to 1,1,1-triethyl-3-(methoxycarbonyl)-2,2-dioxo-2λ6-diazathian-1-ium (methoxycarbonyl sulfanyl-triethylammonium hydroxide) inner salt. Increase in color density (light to dark brown) was a function of byproduct(s) biodegradation and polymerization. RB-19 and byproduct acute toxicities were decreased significantly (98% - 6.91%). Kinetic parameters Km (18.05 mg/L) and Vmax (0.31 mg/L. min−1) from the four kinetic models demonstrated higher affinity of CLE to RB-19. CLE yielded a catalytic activity (Vmax/Km =0.017 min-1) demonstrating the flexibility of CLE active site to RB-19 binding over commercial laccase.

Pampas grass, free town

How can we turn an invaded space into a free space? Our project focused on investigating the areas of Loiu (the town where our school is located) where the invasive species of Pampas Grass, Cortadería Selloana, grow. Following the initial investigation we indicated on a paper map where these species can be found. In order to do this, we learned how to use maps, scales, locate our position, and locate the species in the mountains. Later, we investigated how to eradicate them. For this purpose, we studied the previous studies carried out by the University of the Basque Country and the work carried out by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, eradicating the species in some specific areas of the province. Finally, we presented a dossier in the town hall. Then, the consistory informed the neighbours about how they should deal with this species, and a treatment in public areas has been undertaken. The work of our students promoted a campaign that will benefit our village.

Novel carbon microtube based solid acid from pampas grass stick for biodiesel synthesis from waste oils

The novel porous carbon based solid acid with microtube structure was synthesized via the facile carbonization and sulfonation of the pampas grass stick raw material. The carbon structure could be easily adjusted via the pampas grass stick with different maturity. The carbon microtube based solid acid was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TG and BET. The acidic properties of the solid acid could be adjusted easily from the carbonization or sulfonation. The solid acid showed high activities for the biodiesel synthesis from fried cooking oils with total yield over 99%. Both the esterification of FFAs and transesterification of triglycerides were carried out completely under mild condition using the novel solid acid. The microtube structure provided the easily accessible acidic sites to bulky hydrophobic triglycerides and separated polar byproduct water from active sites. The facile synthetic process, microtube structure, high activity, stability and reusability made the novel solid acid one of the best choice for biodiesel synthesis from waste oils.

The effects of climate warming and urbanised areas on the future distribution of Cortaderia selloana, pampas grass, in France

SummaryThe spread of many invasive plants could be facilitated by their presence in urban areas that may act as dispersal centres and by climate warming. Cortaderia selloana, pampas grass, is native to South America and raises considerable concern worldwide as an introduction. We used Maxent niche modelling, based on occurrence records and on a set of simulated occurrence points with high probability of presence in urbanised areas in France, where the species was introduced and is still planted. We calibrated the model with current climate data coupled with several habitat variables and used it to predict range shifts of C. selloana under four climate change scenarios (RCP) for 2060. The results were consistent with the known ecology of the species and showed that the most important variables that explain the current distribution in the introduced area were mean annual minimum temperatures, sandy habitats, disturbed habitats and urbanised areas. While the species already occupies large areas along the western and Mediterranean coasts, the models predicted an expansion northward and inland to the east under future climates. The area of suitable habitats could increase by up to 69% under the RCP 8.5 climate scenario in 2060 and by 116% with the extra occurrences in urban/suburban areas. This latter scenario suggests that areas like public and private gardens or urban parks, where the species is currently cultivated, could contribute to increase the invasion risk under climate warming. The results provide predictions of potential environments for the species, which can be helpful for anticipating its spread.

String Theory with Heartache

String Theory with Heartache Susan Rich (bio) The long lines of this sentence look to resolve in a pointof punctuation; when in fact, there are still more sentences and conditional clauses, and exclamations to go. But what if the point is not the point? Under the world's microscope we see that no picture frame, no old love, no sigh—actually stays still. Maybe we are all made of strings! A gull draws a winter branch across the horizon, then returns to add a delicate curve to its nest— Today, the news reports a second earth orbiting a neighbor star.In pampas grass and dried pods of vanilla, in suspension bridges and candy floss, what heat works to vibrate twigs to filament to universe? Perhaps this is why violins and guitars, cellos and dulcimers, are so delicious in our inner ears—a seduction by strings—building blocks of our own bosons, of cells, of clear waters. If we move like jerboas or paddle boarders, which circulate air over their own limbs, then we know our disguises are working.The desert trek on camelback, the Tuareg sash on even longer hand-embroidered robes. If we are simply balls of twine wound around a breath of air, then how to pluck and pick our lives—to repair the filament in our ledgers—the elegant rumors of belief. [End Page 80] Susan Rich Susan Rich's most recent book, Cloud Pharmacy (2014), was shortlisted for the Julie Suk Prize. Other books include The Alchemist's Kitchen (2010), Cures Include Travel (2006), and The Cartographer's Tongue (2000), all from White Pine Press. She is co-editor of The Strangest of Theatres: Poets Crossing Borders, published by the Poetry Foundation. Her awards include a PEN USA Award, a Fulbright Foundation Fellowship, and a TLS Award. Rich's work has appeared in O Magazine, Pleiades, World Literature Today, and elsewhere. She is co-founder of Poets on the Coast: A Writing Retreat for Women and teaches at Highline College, outside Seattle. Copyright © 2018 Middlebury College Publications

Two Poems

Wild Geese At the northern edge of the Han River I saw field-cannons march down the snowdrifts of the valley. Wild geese flew low. I woke to see myself seeing through field-glasses instead of dreams. I saw the wild geese strut, their chests puffed high like soldiers occupying a village. The guns fired, barrels aimed high. I dreamed in spite of the bullets, in spite of the cartridge-belt at my waist, and waited, and waited, forgetting dog tags, frostbite, even my life. Wind Burial I bow before your grave. Nothing has changed, you seem to say— only the atoms rearranged, the made flesh of my body made ash. All is as it was: the rain falling on the funeral home, the mourners drinking and playing cards, the wet slap of shoes slipping on piss. Translations from the Korean By Suji Kwock Kim with Sunja Kim Kwock poetry Two Poems by Hwang Tong-gyu Suji Kwock Kim, author of Notes from the Divided Country, Private Property, and Disorient, is a former Fulbright Scholar to Korea. Hwang Tong-gyu (황 동규) was born in 1938 in Sukch’on, South P’yongan province, in what is now North Korea. Author of fourteen poetry collections and five prose books, he has received the Hyondae Award, Midang Award, and Ku Sang Award. left Pampas grass on the Han River. Photo: dnlspnk/Flickr Sunja Kim Kwock’s work focuses on the conjunction of Buddhism and Christianity, particularly liberation theology. WORLDLIT.ORG 25 ...

Investigation of kinetics and absorption isotherm models for hydroponic phytoremediation of waters contaminated with sulfate

Two common wetland plants, Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) and Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), were used in hydroponic cultivation systems for the treatment of simulated high-sulfate wastewaters. Plants in initial experiments at pH 7.0 removed sulfate more efficiently compared to the same experimental conditions at pH 6.0. Results at sulfate concentrations of 50, 200, 300, 600, 900, 1200, 1500 and 3000 mg/L during three consecutive 7-day treatment periods with 1-day rest intervals, showed decreasing trends of both removal efficiencies and uptake rates with increasing sulfate concentrations from the first to the second to the third 7-day treatment periods. Removed sulfate masses per unit dry plant mass, calculated after 23 days, showed highest removal capacity at 600 mg/L sulfate for both plants. A Langmuir-type isotherm best described sulfate uptake capacity of both plants. Kinetic studies showed that compared to pseudo first-order kinetics, pseudo-second order kinetic models slightly better described sulfate uptake rates by both plants. The Elovich kinetic model showed faster rates of attaining equilibrium at low sulfate concentrations for both plants. The dimensionless Elovich model showed that about 80% of sulfate uptake occurred during the first four days' contact time. Application of three 4-day contact times with 2-day rest intervals at high sulfate concentrations resulted in slightly higher uptakes compared to three 7-day contact times with 1-day rest intervals, indicating that pilot-plant scale treatment systems could be sized with shorter contact times and longer rest-intervals.