Exploring organic matter conversion pathway and its effect on nitrogen removal in tidal flow constructed wetlands

摘要: Achieving effective nitrogen removal remains a significant challenge faced by constructed wetlands. Although organic matter is a crucial factor influencing nitrogen removal, little attention has been paid to the impact of organic matter conversion pathways on nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands. Here, we showed that endogenous microorganisms performing carbon internalization could be easily enriched in tidal flow constructed wetlands (TFCWs) under its special rhythmic cycle of anaerobic/aerobic operational mode. Endogenous microorganisms could translate influent carbon sources into intracellular carbons during the anaerobic stage and supply the carbon source for endogenous denitrification after the aerobic stage (rest period). Based on these findings, an innovative combined TFCW and Nitrifying-CW system was developed, and robust total nitrogen (TN) removal (82% on average) was achieved even …