Floating Treatment Wetland Nutrient Uptake Efficiency on the Salmon River

Eutrophication and algal blooms threaten freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Constructed floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) provide a potential nature-based solution for removing nutrients and other contaminants, yet their effectiveness in the natural environment is uncertain. This study evaluated FTW efficacy on the Salmon River, BC, where downstream algal blooms persist in Shuswap Lake, using three native macrophytes (Typha latifolia, Carex aquatilis and Deschampsia cespitosa). Monthly water sampling showed FTWs significantly reduced total ammonium and ortho-phosphate (by 3.8 and 12.3%, respectively) and increased dissolved oxygen concentrations (by 0.3%) in July, with similar results in June, while total nitrogen and phosphorus remained unchanged. By August, effectiveness declined, likely due to plant senescence. Plant tissue analysis revealed no net nutrient accumulation from July to September, potentially reflecting timing, dilution effects, or nutrient release during senescence. Wildlife use of FTWs was observed throughout. Results indicate FTWs can meaningfully improve water quality in early summer, but their annual net contribution may be limited by geographic and seasonal factors.

Author dc:creator

• Webster, Margot

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dushenko, William

• School of environment and sustainability

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-20522

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28959