Potential of Typha as Plant Candidates for Sludge Treatment Wetlands

Abstract

Phragmites austrailis have been commonly planted on sludge treatment wetlands due to its high resistance to sludge waste; thus sludge treatment wetlands are commonly referred to as “reed beds”. Phragmites’ aggressive nature and high productivity allow this invasive plant species to form monoculture stands, alter ecosystem processes, outcompete and replace native species. Thus, native alternatives plant species for sludge treatment wetlands is in urgent needs. Typha are abundant and common throughout most of the North America and have high tolerance to various environmental conditions. This study examined the potential of Typha as candidate plants for sludge treatment wetlands. The results suggested Typha has a great potential to replace the invasive Phragmites as an alternative plant species for sludge treatment wetlands due to its ability to sustain repeated sludge application and to efficiently remove solids, phosphorus and nitrogen from the sludge waste.