Can willow roots oxygenate leachate in vegetation filter beds?¬ a mass spectrometer investigation in Wales

Williams, Haydn G., Randerson, Peter F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2744-3122, Slater, Fred M. and Heaton, Rebecca J. 2019. Can willow roots oxygenate leachate in vegetation filter beds?¬ a mass spectrometer investigation in Wales. Linnaeus Eco-Tech , pp. 75-81. 10.15626/Eco-Tech.2001.007

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Abstract

Membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) was used to monitor dissolved gas concentrations in-situ in laboratory microcosms and in a constructed willow vegetation filter bed in Walesused to treat leachate. A mini-rhizotron digital camera system was developed for use incombination with MIMS studies of gas dynamics. The major results of the studies are:-• Diurnal cycles in the concentrations of 02, CO2 and C� were shown to occur with arooted willow cutting in a stirred microcosm.• Willow beds show considerable sub-surface spatial diversity. Generally, oxygen decreaseswith depth whereas methane and carbon dioxide increase with depth. Small pockets ofgases were seen. Oxygen occurred throughout the profile.• Microbial processes follow diurnal cycles. Oxygen is released from willow roots duringdaylight. Methane and carbon dioxide accumulate during the dark.• The high degree of mixing distributes oxygenated water throughout the bed. Stopping theflow of leachate allowed conditions to become anaerobic, except in local micro-sites.These techniques appear to offer considerable potential for direct measurement of sub-surfaceenvironments in constructed wetlands, particularly in respect of the microbial processesoccurring in the bed, and the oxygenation capacity of willow vegetation filters.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Biosciences
Additional Information:	Open Journal Systems
ISSN:	2002-8008
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	2 December 2020
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 19:13
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/136709

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