Aquatic Plant Species Research Articles

Findings of Aquatic Vascular Plants on the Sakhalin Island

Investigations of South-western geobotanical district of Sakhalin Island, which is classified as a separate subzone of dark coniferous forests with an admixture of broad-leaved species and corresponds to Krillon floristic district, revealed a number of new aquatic vascular plant species for that area (Lemna turionifera, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Potamogeton gramineus, P. manchuriensis, Stuckenia pectinata, Utricularia minor, U. × ochroleuca). There is also a novelty for the South-Sakhalin lowland geobotanical district (Myriophyllum spicatum). All these taxa are known from other geobotanical districts of Sakhalin. The additions to the flora of the South-western district, which is well surveyed by botanists, indicate not floristic uniqueness of the subzone of dark coniferous forests with an admixture of broad-leaved species, but rather a poor knowledge of the Sakhalin Island aquatic flora.

Differential photosynthetic yield across a wide range of temperatures for Northern and invasive Watermilfoils

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is one of the most challenging invasive aquatic plant species in Minnesota. Eurasian watermilfoil has hybridized with the native Northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum), creating a more complex issue when it comes to invasions. The hybridization of watermilfoil has increased difficulty for management and an underlying biological mechanism explaining this difficulty has yet to be determined. We compared the photosynthetic temperature response of the parental Northern and Eurasian parental genotypes to five hybrid watermilfoils using pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometry to determine if there are intrinsic physiological differences in photosynthesis between genotypes. We examined both the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and light-adapted quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) electron transfer (ΦPSII) every 5 °C from 0 to 45 °C representing sub- to supraoptimal water temperatures. On average, hybrids had 6% and 8% higher Fv/Fm and ΦPSII values respectively, than parental genotypes across all temperatures. In both parental and hybrid genotypes Fv/Fm values were consistent from 0 to 35 °C and declined 36% as water temperature approached 45 °C. Optimal water temperature for ΦPSII was between 25-35 °C and hybrids had 17% higher values for suboptimal temperatures between 5-15 °C. Our findings indicate that although the many strains of watermilfoil are morphologically similar, they differ in their photosynthetic capacity and may indicate heterosis. Innate differences between parental strains and hybrids could impact overall primary productivity, life history characteristics, and overall invasiveness. These factors could also be contributing to the documented management failures seen in field populations.

Modeling the Effects of Temperature and Limiting Nutrients on the Competition of an Invasive Floating Plant, Pontederia crassipes, with Submersed Vegetation in a Shallow Lake.

The potential for a non-native plant species to invade a new habitat depends on broadscale factors such as climate, local factors such as nutrient availability, and the biotic community of the habitat into which the plant species is introduced. We developed a spatially explicit model to assess the risk of expansion of a floating invasive aquatic plant species (FAV), the water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes), an invader in the United States, beyond its present range. Our model used known data on growth rates and competition with a native submersed aquatic macrophyte (SAV). In particular, the model simulated an invasion into a habitat with a mean annual temperature different from its own growth optimum, in which we also simulated seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Twenty different nutrient concentrations and eight different temperature scenarios, with different mean annual amplitudes of seasonal temperature variation around the mean of the invaded habitat, were simulated. In each case, the ability of the water hyacinth to invade and either exclude or coexist with the native vegetation was determined. As the temperature pattern was changed from tropical towards increasingly cooler temperate levels, the competitive advantage shifted from the tropical FAV to the more temperate SAV, with a wide range in which coexistence occurred. High nutrient concentrations allowed the coexistence of FAV, even at cooler annual temperatures. But even at the highest nutrient concentrations in the model, the FAV was unlikely to persist under the current climates of latitudes in the Southeastern United States above that of Northern Alabama. This result may have some implications for where control efforts need to be concentrated.

Assessing the effects of Water hyacinth proliferation on biochemical oxygen demand with operational land imager data

The rapid proliferation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in water bodies poses a significant threat to ecosystems and communities that rely on these resources. While this plant can offer certain benefits, its excessive growth can lead to detrimental ecological and social impacts. This study aimed to assess the relationship between water hyacinth coverage and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in the Sonso Lagoon, Colombia, using Landsat 8 satellite imagery and in-situ measurements. Water hyacinth coverage was classified and quantified from Landsat 8 images. These data were then correlated with BOD levels obtained through periodic monitoring of the lagoon. The analysis revealed a strong negative correlation (ρ=−0.83; p−value<0.05**) between water hyacinth coverage and BOD, demonstrating the plant's impact on water quality. A predictive model was developed to estimate BOD levels based on satellite-derived water hyacinth data. The integration of remote sensing and in-situ measurements offers an effective strategy for monitoring water hyacinth proliferation and its ecological consequences. The proposed approach enables rapid assessment of water quality parameters, facilitating timely implementation of mitigation and control measures. This methodology can be extended to quantify other invasive aquatic plant species and their impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Cytotoxicity, chemical, and nutritional profile evaluation of biomass extracts of the Lemna aequinoctialis (duckweed) aquatic plant

ABSTRACT Lemna aequinoctialis (duckweed) is the smallest and fast-growing aquatic plant species producing protein-rich biomass with high protein nutritional value, phytoremediation capacity, and nutrient removal from wastewater. Duckweed may also be used as a new potential bioreactor for biological products, such as vaccines, antibodies, and pharmaceutical proteins. Based upon the potential importanc of L. aequinoctialis in phytoremediation and as a bioreactor the aim of this study was to (1) characterize the chemical and nutritional profiles of L. aequinoctialis biomass utilizing an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (IMTA) and a pond, and (2) investigate the cytotoxic potential of different concentrations of organic extracts and fractions using the MTT bioassay. EDXRF and ICP-MS analyses indicated the presence of trace elements in lower amounts in relation to the biomass of L. aequinoctialis in the lagoon, emphasizing the importance of plant inclusion management to reduce bioaccumulation of these elements. Analysis of mineral profiles, fatty acids, and amino acids indicated a satisfactory nutritional composition for the use of biomass as a bioproduct. Pigment analysis showed a high concentration of carotenoids, especially astaxanthin. After standardizing the controls, the MTT cell viability test was carried out utilizing rat hepatoma cell line (HTC), which are metabolizing cells that were treated with aqueous or ethanolic extracts and the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions at different concentrations. No apparent cytotoxic potential was observed following treatments, since there was no significant reduction in cell viability. Therefore, this study provides information regarding the biomass of L. aequinoctialis derived from the IMTA system, which might support further research into the application of this species as a bioproduct.

Ecotoxicological effects of triclosan on Lemna minor: bioconcentration, growth inhibition and oxidative stress.

Triclosan (TCS), an emerging pollutant, is a notable contributor to adverse impacts on aquatic organisms due to its widespread use during COVID-19 and hydrophobic properties. There is extensive documented literature on TCS toxicity in commercially important fish species; however, studies on aquatic plants remain limited. In this prelude, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of TCS on Lemna minor, a commercially important aquatic plant species for 7days. The results showed dose-dependent significant alterations in growth, pigments and stress enzymes of L. minor at varied concentrations of TCS (1 to 8mg L-1). Median inhibitory concentration (IC50) was found to be 4.813mg L-1. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels decreased 73.11 and 81.83%, respectively after 7days of TCS exposure. A significant increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in TCS exposed groups as compared to the control. Bioconcentration factor was found to be in the range of 5.855 to 37.129 signifying TCS ability to accumulate and transfer through the food chain. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed deformation in the cell surface and alteration of stroma morphology of TCS exposed groups. Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study also revealed that higher concentrations of TCS could cause alteration in the functional groups in the plant. This study demonstrates that TCS negatively impacts the growth and metabolism of primary producers, offering crucial insights into its interactions with aquatic plants and establishing baseline information essential for crafting effective mitigation strategies for TCS contamination in aquatic environments.

Utricularia australis R. Br. (Lentibulariaceae): an addition to the carnivorous plants in flora of Gujarat, India

Utricularia australis R. Br. (Lentibulariaceae), a carnivorous aquatic plant species is reported as new to Gujarat from India. Details of its identification, description, distribution, and a detailed photo plate of the plant is provided.

Evidence of Climate Change and the Conservation Needed to Halt the Further Deterioration of Small Glacial Lakes

Although somewhat debated, it is generally agreed in Europe that small water bodies comprise lentic ecosystems that are shallow (less than 20 m) and have a surface area of a few hectares (less than 10 ha). In Albania, 84 glacial lakes constitute a substantial portion of the aquatic ecosystems that sustain high levels of biodiversity, metabolic rates, and functionality. This paper discusses the integration of ecological sustainability into ecosystem services (i.e., cultural, regulatory, and sustaining services) and the national ecological networks of protected sites. This integration is particularly important in light of recent advancements regarding European integration. It is also important due to the catchment continuum, which addresses biodiversity values and gradients that, in this work, are considered using rotifer communities and aquatic plant species. The main causes of the stressors on small ecosystems are inappropriate land use, water pollution, altered habitats, non-native species introduction, resource mismanagement in basins, inadequate planning, and a lack of sector integration. The glacial lakes reflect climate change elements through: an increased number of dried glacial lakes, so only 84 remain functioning; the water level is slowly being reduced; the oscillation of the water level is steadily increasing; and the eutrophication process is rapidly advancing.

Bioconcentration of pharmaceuticals by aquatic flora in an Australian river system

Pharmaceuticals are emerging contaminants in the environment and are a ubiquitous presence in rivers downstream of wastewater treatment plant outfalls. Questions remain about the persistence of pharmaceuticals in rivers, and the uptake and bioconcentration of pharmaceuticals by aquatic plants. Our study took place in the Yarrowee/Leigh/Barwon River system in southeastern Australia. We quantified the concentrations of five pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, primidone, propranolol, tramadol, and venlafaxine) in surface water at five sites along a 144-km stretch of river, downstream of the presumed primary point source (a wastewater treatment plant outfall). We quantified pharmaceuticals in the leaves of two aquatic plant species (Phragmites australis and Vallisneria australis) sampled at each site, and calculated bioconcentration factors. All five pharmaceuticals were detected in surface waters, and the highest detected concentration exceeded 500 ng.L−1 (tramadol). Four of the pharmaceuticals (all except tramadol) were detected and quantified at all sites, including the furthest site from the outfall (144 km). Carbamazepine showed less attenuation with distance from the outfall than the other pharmaceuticals. Carbamazepine and venlafaxine were quantified in the leaves of both aquatic plant species (range: 10–31 ng.g−1), and there was evidence that bioconcentration factors increased with decreasing surface water concentrations. The study demonstrates the potential long-distance persistence of pharmaceuticals in river systems, and the bioconcentration of pharmaceuticals by aquatic plants in natural ecosystems. These phenomena deserve greater attention as aquatic plants are a potential point of transfer of pharmaceuticals from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial food webs.

Ecological water level regulation based on aquatic plant restoration in large reservoirs: A case study of Wangying Reservoir

The regulation of water levels based on water level requirements at different life-cycle stages of aquatic plants is a crucial measure for the restoration of aquatic plants. Based on the current situation of aquatic plants in the reservoir and the requirements for the water level of aquatic plants in different life cycle stages, the present study proposes the best ecological water level under different plant coverage restoration targets for the Wangying Reservoir. There were 184 species of aquatic plants in the Wangying Reservoir belonging to 142 genera in 61 families and 32 orders, with an average biomass of 2.35 kg/m2 and average density of 227 plants/m2. The total coverage of aquatic vegetation was 26 %, which included 15 % hygrophytes and emergent plants and 11 % submerged plants. The hygrophytes, emergent, and submerged plants have experienced discrepant life history stages and water level requirement even for the same life history stage. The fluctuations in the water level required for hygrophytes and emergent plants (2 m) were relatively more stable across different life cycle stages than for submerged plants (5 m). These results offer valuable guidance for the recovery of aquatic plants and reservoir management for the lentic water bodies.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN REMOVING HEAVY METALS FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER

Fluorides are important contaminants found in effluents from a variety of industries, including electroplating and glass. These are extremely harmful to living things and have a negative impact on their health. Thus, removing fluoride with biosorbents is an important step toward environmental conservation. The untreated discharge of industrial waste water into the environment has long had an impact on human, plant, and animal health. These effluents contain harmful compounds that are not degradable through chemical or microbiological processes. However, they are most likely to accumulate in soil, aquatic environments, and plant organs. The present work investigated the elimination of fluoride utilizing an aquatic plant species, Eichhornia Crassipes (Water Hyacinth) by the method of phytoremediation.

Float, fly, then sink: wetland plant seed buoyancy is lost after internal dispersal by waterbirds

Seed dispersal distance is an important indicator of how well a plant species can cope with environmental changes. Seeds of wetland plants are primarily dispersed by hydrochory (floating on the water surface) or endozoochory (ingestion and egestion by animals). However, both mechanisms can also be combined (diplochory), which increases dispersal distances. In wetlands, seeds often float on the water surface before ingestion and transport by animals, such as waterbirds. Here, we consider what happens next after endozoochory and test whether seeds dispersed inside waterbirds can then continue to disperse by hydrochory. We experimentally assessed the buoyancy capacity of 41 wetland plant species for 14 weeks before and after simulated passage through avian digestive systems. This revealed that (1) seeds of plants previously assigned a hydrochory dispersal syndrome floated longer than those from other syndromes, but with considerable overlap; (2) fully aquatic and shoreline plant species had seeds with stronger buoyancy than terrestrial plants; and (3) digestive processes negatively affected seed buoyancy capacity for all plant species, which included wetland species with a typical hydrochory syndrome. The capacity for hydrochory is more limited after endozoochory than beforehand, with strong implications for the effectiveness of seed dispersal.

Heavy metal accumulation of aquatic grasses from mine tailing's wastewater drainage spillway of BCL Cu‐Ni mine in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana

AbstractMining activities introduce countless contaminants into the environment, including toxic levels of heavy metals that accumulate in soil and water, requiring environmental management to prevent detrimental effects. One strategy is to use plants because of their natural ability to adsorb and accumulate different contaminants in their tissues. To develop a rhizofiltration technique for mine wastewater in Botswana, there is a need to identify suitable aquatic plant species which can remove heavy metals from acid mine drainage and associated sediments. Plant species growing in the vicinity of acid mine drainage at the BCL mine were sampled and analyzed for heavy metal concentration in the various plant tissues.The plants analyzed were: Cyperus papyrus; Phragmites australis; Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani; and Baumea rubiginosa. These plants all accumulated above‐average concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in their tissues, especially Cr, Cu, and Ni. C. papyrus accumulates more Cr (up to 6080.86 mg kg−1in shoots and 5047.15 mg kg−1 in roots), Cu (up to 2166.43 mg kg−1 in roots and 1231.12 mg kg−1 in shoots), and Ni (up to 949.97 mg kg−1 in roots and 1163.42 mg kg−1 in shoots). P. australis accumulates more Cu in roots (up to 7416.87 mg kg−1) than in shoots (221.71 mg kg−1). S. tabernaemontani accumulates more Ni than Cu and Cr which it mostly retains in the roots (1015.88 mg kg−1). B. rubiginosa accumulates more Cu than Ni with a concentration up to 927.36 mg kg−1 in shoots and 401.70 mg kg−1 in roots (BAF 35.53; TF 0.90). Among these plants' species, C. papyrus had the ability for multi‐metal accumulation, retaining Cr, Cu, and Ni.

Estimation of heavy metals in sediments and aquatic plant species in two rivers of Punjab, Pakistan

This research highlights the distribution of heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co and Mn) in Ravi and Chenab and assesses their effect on ecosystem health. Samples of plant species and sediments at eight sampling sites were collected and analysed by the PIXE technique. Heavy metal concentrations (µg/g) of Zn (7.98–411.23), Ni (12.59–209), Cu (3.74–38.77) and Mn (0–730.21) in river Ravi and concentrations of Zn (49.32–274.30), Ni (1.05–141.21) and Mn (41.66–519.47) in river Chenab were found to be high but Heavy metal concentration in the two compartments were in the following order plants > sediments. Heavy metals of sediments and plants depict that there are significant correlations between Cu (0.994), Zn (0.986) and Cr (0.978) in river Ravi and Ni (1.000), Zn (.990) and Cr (.978) in river Chenab. The results show the potential of heavy metals from plants in two rivers of Pakistan.

Warming alters the network of physiological traits and their contribution to plant abundance

The impact of global warming on plant abundance has been widely discussed, but it remains unclear how warming affects plant physiological traits, and how these traits contribute to the abundance of aquatic plants. We explored the adjustments in physiological traits of two common aquatic plant species (Potamogeton crispus L. and Elodea canadensis Michx.) and their links to plant abundance in three temperature treatments by determining twelve physiological traits and plant abundance over an 11-month period in outdoor mesocosms. This mesocosms facility has been running uninteruptedly for 16 years, rendering the plants a unique opportunity to adapt to the warming differences. We found that 1) warming reduced the starch storage in winter for P. crispus and in summer for E. canadensis while increased the nitrogenous substances (e.g., TN, FAA, and proline) in winter for P. crispus. 2) For E. canadensis, TC, starch, SC, and sucrose contents were higher in summer than in winter regardless of warming, while TC, SC, and sucrose contents were lower in summer for P. crispus. 3) Warming decreased the association strength between physiological traits and plant abundance for P. crispus but enhanced it for E. canadensis. 4) E. canadensis showed increased interaction strength among physiological traits under warming, indicating increased metabolic exertion in the response to warming, which contributed to the reduction in abundance. Trait interaction strength of P. crispus was reduced under warming, but with less impact on plant abundance compared with E. canadensis. Our study emphasizes that warming alters the network of plant physiological traits and their contribution to abundance and that different strengths of susceptibility to warming of the various plant species may alter the composition of plant communities in freshwater ecosystems.

In Vitro Propagation Technology for the Endangered Aquatic Species Nymphoides coronata.

Nymphoides coronata is an endangered aquatic plant species with significant medicinal and ecological importance. To preserve N. coronata from going extinct, we need to provide seedlings and efficient multiplication techniques so that it can be extensively studied. This study aimed to identify the most suitable sterilization treatment, growth medium, and substrate for the cultivation and propagation of N. coronata. Ethanol sterilization, fungicide treatment, and sterile water washing were the most important sterilization steps. A combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) was the most suitable medium for bud induction and shoot proliferation. The use of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) increased the rooting rate and rooting time compared to indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Increasing the concentration of NAA from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/L increased the rooting rate from 78 to 100% and reduced the rooting time from 7 to 5 days. The survival rate of N. coronata seedlings was 100% in a mixture of red soil and sand (1:1, w/w). As a result, the procedure mentioned above could potentially be used to safely propagate this rare species on a large scale. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimal conditions for the successful cultivation and propagation of N. coronata, which can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of this important rare plant species.

Wastewater purification and recycling using plants in an arid environment for agricultural purposes: case of the Algerian Sahara

The aim of this study is to apply a water treatment technique (phyto-purification) in the Algerian Sahara, an arid region, to resolve the scarcity of irrigation, recycled wastewater and preserve Saharian ecosystems composed of sand and two species of aquatic plants: Typha latifolia and Imperata cylindrica. The choice of these plants was determined based on the natural vegetation, soil and climatic characteristics of the study area. To this end, we developed an experimental pilot composed of three tanks measuring 30 cm × 35 cm × 45 cm, arranged with a filter bed of sand and gravel. Two of these tanks are sown with the above-mentioned plants, while the third tank, serving as a control, is not. The values of the main wastewater pollution parameters, namely total nitrogen compounds, ammonium (NH4+), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solids measured at the outlet of the device, substantiate the performance of this treatment system. Indeed, the nitrogen reduction rate increased from 63% in the unplanted control filters to around 80% in the planted filters, and from 81 to 88% for NO3−. Regarding chemical oxygen demand (COD), the reduction rate exceeds 88.37% for the three tanks. The study of the analytical approach to modeling the purification kinetics reveals that the kinetics of COD and NH4+ are well correlated with the first-order model, with an explained variance varying between 68.1 and 81.6% for COD and 83.5 and 92.3% for ammonium. The Riverside diagram highlights that all treated water samples fall into the low sodium risk and high salinity risk class. Build on the Na% values; all purified waters have characteristics suitable for water use for irrigation.

Hormonal profiles in dormant turions of 22 aquatic plant species: do they reflect functional or taxonomic traits?

Turions are vegetative, dormant overwintering organs formed in aquatic plants in response to unfavourable ecological conditions. Contents of cytokinin (CK), auxin metabolites and abscisic acid (ABA) as main growth and development regulators were compared in innately dormant autumnal turions of 22 aquatic plant species of different functional ecological or taxonomic groups with those in non-dormant winter apices in three aquatic species and with those in spring turions of four species after their overwintering. The hormones were analysed in miniature turion samples using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. In innately dormant turions, the total contents of each of the four main CK types, biologically active forms and total CKs differed by two to three orders of magnitude across 22 species; the proportion of active CK forms was 0.18-67 %. Similarly, the content of four auxin forms was extremely variable and the IAA proportion as the active form was 0.014-99 %. The ABA content varied from almost zero to 54 µmol kg-1 dry weight and after overwintering it usually significantly decreased. Of all functional traits studied, hormone profiles depended most on the place of turion sprouting (surface vs bottom) and we suggest that this trait is crucial for turion ecophysiology. The key role of ABA in regulating turion dormancy was confirmed. However, the highly variable pattern of the ABA content in innately dormant and in overwintered turions indicates that the hormonal mechanism regulating the innate dormancy and its breaking in turions is not uniform within aquatic plants.

Composition of fatty acids of higher aquatic plants in Lake Kotokel as valuable biological raw materials

Fatty acids, as part of cell membranes, determine their fluidity and dielectric constant. In addition, they play an important role in human and animal nutrition. This work examines the composition and fatty acid content of dried higher aquatic plants from Lake Kotokel (Republic of Buryatia, Russia) and their potential as a raw material for the production of feed and biologically active food supplements. A modified Bligh-Dyer method was used to extract lipid fraction. Fatty acids in the form of their methyl esters were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Palmitic C16:0 acid was the main saturated fatty acid found in Myriophyllum sibiricum, Elodea canadensis, Persicaria amphibia and Potamogeton perfoliatus in Lake Kotokel. The main unsaturated acid found in plants, regardless of their type, was the α-linolenic C18:3-ω3 acid. In addition, a relatively high content of stearic C18:0, myristic C14:0 and pentadecanoic C15:0 acids was noted. Branched acids (i-C14:0, i-C15:0, i-C16:0, i-C17:0, i-C20:0, a/i-C15:0, a/i-C17:0 and 10Me-C16:0) and odd carbon numbered acids (C13:0, C15:0, C17:0, C19:0, C21:0 and C23:0) were identified. An analysis of the authors’ and literature data revealed that the studied species of higher aquatic plants in reservoirs in the Asian part of Russia are characterised by a high content of α-linolenic C18:3-ω3 (up to 56%) and a low content of oleic C18:1-ω9 (up to 1.81%) acids. The content of α-linolenic C18:3-ω3 acid in plants from reservoirs in the European part of Russia was lower (up to 42%), while that of oleic acid C18:1-ω9 was higher (up to 14%).

Effect of Cipangopaludina chinensis and diversity of plant species with different life forms on greenhouse gas emissions from constructed wetlands

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from Constructed wetlands (CWs) for treating wastewater have been largely focused on. Previous studies have demonstrated that plant species diversity significantly affects GHG. However, the effect of the diversity of plant species with different life forms and benthic organisms on GHGs from CWs remains unclear. In this study, we selected three common aquatic plant species with different life forms (submerged, free-floating, emergent) for diversity configuration (one, two, three species richness and all seven combinations; six replicates), with C. chinensis added to half the replicates. Results showed that: (1) in systems without C. chinensis, high plant species richness significantly increased CO2 emissions and GWPCH4+N2O+CO2, as well as CO2 emissions per unit N removal and GWPCH4+N2O+CO2 per unit N removal, the presence of Acorus calamus increased CO2 emissions by 77 % and GWPCH4+N2O+CO2 by 72 %, respectively, while the presence of Pistia stratiotes significantly reduced N2O emissions by 41 %; (2) in systems with C. chinensis, the presence of P. stratiotes significantly reduced N2O emissions by 73% and GWPnon-CO2 by 68 %, respectively; (3) plant species identify did not affect GWPCH4+N2O+CO2 per unit N removal and GWPnon-CO2 per unit N removal in systems with or without C. chinensis. In summary, adding C. chinensis affected the effect of plant species identity on GHGs from CWs. Thus, we suggested that establishing communities with low plant species richness and proper species (such as P. stratiotes) could improve pollutant removal rate (TIN) and reduce GHGs in CWs.