What are weaknesses in the MPN estimation of faecal coliforms?5 answersThe weaknesses in the most probable number (MPN) estimation of fecal coliforms include potential inconsistencies in assessing pathogen contamination due to MPN not directly measuring the true in situ concentration distribution. Additionally, the standard MPN technique may lead to false-negative reactions, resulting in interference with coliform detection in untreated surface water and potable water supplies. The MPN method is also less precise compared to membrane filtration (MF) techniques, especially when enumerating target colonies, and is slower and more costly than MF approaches. Furthermore, the MPN method may not be as sensitive as other methods like standard aerobic and anaerobic incubation of membrane filters for the enumeration of total coliforms.
What are the effectiveness of constructed wetlands in removing BOD from wastewater?4 answersConstructed wetlands have been found to be effective in removing BOD (biological oxygen demand) from wastewater. The combination of different components in constructed wetlands, including soils, hydrology, plants, and microorganisms, allows for the treatment of organic compounds and contaminants in wastewater. Bacteria and fungi, which are present in the wetland rhizosphere, play a crucial role in the degradation of organic matter. Studies have shown that constructed wetlands can achieve high removal efficiencies for BOD, with average removal rates ranging from 94.13% to 96.84%. The use of specific media, such as Viteveria zizanioides and peat, has been found to enhance the performance of constructed wetlands in removing nitrogen and phosphorus, which contribute to BOD. Overall, constructed wetlands offer a potential solution for the effective treatment of wastewater and the reduction of BOD levels.
How does climate change impact wetlands?5 answersClimate change has significant impacts on wetlands. It can lead to changes in wetland extent, water quality, and ecosystem functions. Wetlands in different regions respond differently to climate change. For example, the Western Everglades in South Florida are projected to experience increased frequency and magnitude of extreme events, which could negatively affect their hydroecological function. Inland arid areas, such as northern and southern Xinjiang, experience deterioration of the ecological environment due to climate change, leading to changes in wetland types and spatial distribution. Wetland areas in North America are projected to decrease, with regional variations, under high emission scenarios, primarily driven by temperature changes. Wetland restoration is crucial under climate change, and natural regeneration is an effective approach for many wetlands, but not all. Climate change also affects the spatial distribution of water sources in floodplain wetlands, with implications for ecological processes and management.
Do wetlands reduce nutrients agriculture?4 answersWetlands have been found to be effective in reducing nutrients from agriculture. Studies have shown that constructed floating wetlands (CFW) can remove agrochemicals, including nutrients and pesticides, from polluted water, with average reductions ranging from 27.4% to 83.6% for nutrients and from 12.4% to 42.7% for pesticides. Headwater wetlands and riparian zones have been identified as key sources of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in headwater streams, indicating that wetlands play a role in nutrient concentrations. Agricultural wetlands, such as alluvial swamps and wetland swales, have been found to mitigate nitrate and phosphorus in water, with the alluvial swamp providing effective water quality mitigation for nitrate and phosphorus. Created wetlands have also shown high removal efficiency for nitrogen and phosphorus, but more and larger wetland areas need to be created to make a significant difference at the catchment scale. Restored wetlands have been effective in removing nitrogen, but there is a risk of phosphorus release for several years after restoration.
What are the effects of wetlands disturbances?5 answersWetland disturbances have various effects. Natural disturbances, such as fire and erosion, can increase biological diversity and create diverse habitat types. Urbanization and urban sprawl can lead to the loss and fragmentation of wetland areas, negatively impacting their ecological and social benefits and biodiversity. Agricultural land use and wetland management can alter the taxonomic composition and functional potential of soil bacterial and fungal communities. Drying caused by anthropogenic processes and fire can disrupt surface and groundwater flows, resulting in bottom-up controls on wetland expression and permanent community transitions. Different types of anthropogenic disturbances, such as industrial effluent and aquacultural wastewater, can shape the abundance and distribution of bacterial communities in black-odor rivers. Overall, wetland disturbances can have significant impacts on biodiversity, water quality, and microbial communities.
How do wetlands affect stream flow in the SWAT model?5 answersWetlands have a significant impact on stream flow in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The studies show that wetlands play a crucial role in controlling hydrological processes and enhancing hydrological resilience to extreme flow conditions. They act as natural buffers, attenuating peak flows and supporting low flows. Wetlands alter water transport mechanisms, affecting water routed to wetlands, water infiltrated into the soil, surface runoff, and groundwater flow. Loss of wetlands leads to increased variability of downstream flow, decreased baseflow contribution to streamflow, and greater fluctuation of downstream flow. Different wetland types, such as riparian wetlands and geographically isolated wetlands, have varying impacts on stream flow. The representation of wetlands in the SWAT model has been improved through the development of modified versions, such as SWATrw and the hydrologic equivalent wetland (HEW) concept, which provide more accurate simulation of wetland-river interactions and streamflows.