Investigating phosphorus and turbidity removal efficiencies of main aquatic vegetation (AV) species in the Lower Kelkit Basin of Turkey

In this study, we researched the main aquatic vegetation (AV) species and their orthophosphate and turbidity removal efficiencies in the Lower Kelkit Basin of Turkey. We chose an experimental area (1650 m2) in the field and determined orthophosphate (mg/L) and turbidity (NTU) variables at the charging and discharging points between November 2005 and March 2006. We also applied an experimental design including 9 treatments and 3 replications in aquarium conditions. Orthophosphate (mg/L) contents of each aquarium were measured at 6 time periods (initial measurement and days 1, 4, 9, 16, and 25). Ceratophyllum demersum L., Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kutzing, Lemna minor L., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Nasturtium officinale R.Br., Potamogeton pectinatus L., Typha angustifolia L., and Typha domingensis Pers. were determined as the main AV species in the study area. Paired samples t-test results showed that AV species significantly reduced both orthophosphate and turbidity in the field conditions. Mean daily orthophosphate and turbidity removal capacities of the wetland were determined as 0.13 mg/L and 2.82 NTU, respectively. Analysis of variance and Duncan's honestly significant difference results indicated that orthophosphate uptake efficiencies of the plant species vary from 0.34 mg/L to 0.04 mg/L, and Lemna minor L. and Ceratophyllum demersum L. are the most efficient species in aquarium conditions.