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Plants play a crucial role as a removal pathway in constructed wetlands, demonstrating the ability to absorb and tolerate antibiotics from wastewater. However, the specific contribution of plants in this regard has not yet to be sufficiently established. To gain a more comprehensive insight into the associated processes, we selected three common wetland plant species, Canna indica L. (C. indica), Cyperus alternifolius L. (C. alternifolius), and Thalia dealbata Fraser (T. dealbata), to evaluate their capacity for uptake, accumulation, and physiological response in the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) at varying initial concentrations (10, 30, 100, and 300 µg/L) under hydroponic conditions. The results showed that SMX removal was more efficient at lower concentrations (10 and 30 µg/L) than at higher concentrations (100 and 300 µg/L). Moreover, plant systems were found to consistently outperform unplanted systems in SMX removal. Among the assessed species, C. indica was identified as being relatively effective in the removal of SMX, whereas the performance of C. alternifolius was notably less pronounced. A positive correlation was observed between the concentration of SMX in the plant tissues and that in the external aqueous medium. However, plant tissue residues contributed only a minor fraction to the overall removal of SMX. Wetland plants absorb SMX through their roots, and we accordingly detected significantly higher concentrations in submerged plant tissues. Furthermore, we also detected reductions in net photosynthetic rates indicative of potential phytotoxicity, which is associated with the accumulation of antibiotic in the shoot tissues. Accumulation of SMX in the roots and rhizomes was also found to be associated with the development of shorter roots, with this effect becoming more pronounced with an increase in the concentration of exogenous SMX. However, despite these adverse effects, plants can detoxify antibiotics via the glutathione pathway. Of the assessed plant species, C. indica was identified as the most SMX tolerant, as indicated by Km and Vmax values, with C. alternifolius being the least tolerant. Our findings in this study reveal the potential value of wetland plants in the sequestration of antibiotics and provide evidence for the underlying mechanisms of action. These findings could make an important contribution to the implementation of phytoremediation in antibiotic-contaminated water. Three wetland plants with fibrous root systems, namely Canna indica, Cyperus alterniflius, and Thalia dealbata, were selected to investigate the removal efficiencies of sulfamethoxazole in the hydroponic system by different emergent plants, quantify the contribution of uptake and accumulation for sulfamethoxazole in plant tissues, and assess the physiological responses of plants and their effect on the removal of sulfamethoxazole. The knowledge obtained from this study shows the potential use of wetland plants for removing antibiotics and the inherent mechanisms, which will be useful for the application of phytoremediation in antibiotic contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytoremediation potential of floating aquatic plants to accumulate and remove two common PFAS from contaminated water was investigated. Free-floating hydrophytes Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes were grown in water spiked with 0.5, 1, or 2 ppm perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) for seven days. Both species were able to accumulate PFOA and PFOS in this time frame, with translocation factors (TF) ranging from 0.13 to 0.57 for P. stratiotes and 0.18 to 0.45 for E. stratiotes, respectively. E. crassipes accumulated a greater amount of PFOA and PFOS than P. stratiotes, with 178.9 ug PFOA and 308.5 ug PFOS removed by E. crassipes and 98.9 ug PFOA and 137.8 ug PFOS removed by P. stratiotes at the highest concentrations. Root tissue contained a higher concentration of PFOA and PFOS than shoot tissue in both species, and the concentration of PFOS was generally significantly higher than PFOA in both E. crassipes and P. stratiotes, with concentrations of 15.39 and 27.32 ppb PFOA and 17.41 and 80.62 ppb PFOS in shoots and roots of P. stratiotes and 12.59 and 37.37 ppb PFOA and 39.92 and 83.40 ppb PFOS in shoots and roots of E. crassipes, respectively. Both species may be candidates for further phytoremediation studies in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the feasibility of using wetland plants for the phytoremediation of PFAS. Prior published studies examine various plant interactions with PFAS but do not evaluate remediation potential of P. stratiotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on assessing the effectiveness of vertical subsurface constructed wetlands (VSFCW) in purifying integrated poultry and aquaculture wastewater (PAW) in a tropical region. This evaluation encompassed the treatment of physico-chemical, heavy metal, and microbiological pollutants across three distinct climatic seasons and hydraulic retention time (HRT: 21 days). Parameters such as BOD (29.50 mg/L), COD (56.67 mg/L), Zn (2.97 mg/L), Cr (0.24 mg/L), Cu (1.78 mg/L), Pb (0.21 mg/L), total fecal coliform (866.67 cfu/mL), total coliform (1666.67 cfu/mL), E. coli (1133.33 cfu/mL), and Salmonella/Shigella (700 cfu/mL) exceeded the discharge limits for wastewater into nearby surface water bodies. Significant removal efficiencies were observed for all parameters tested in the CW planted with both Phragmites karka and Typha latifolia. The macrophytes showed similar removal efficiencies for all tested parameters, and there was no significant difference in the initial concentrations of the parameters based on the experimental season, except for microbial properties. This suggests that weather conditions did not significantly impact the concentration of physical and chemical properties in the wastewater. Consequently, this study successfully demonstrates the potential of using a VSFCW for effective treatment of PAW. Leveraging the power of nature's green allies, Phragmites karka and Typha latifolia, a Sub-surface Constructed Wetland becomes a dynamic and efficient solution. This innovative strategy not only effectively addresses the wastewater challenge but also promotes sustainability and ecological balance. By harnessing the extraordinary capabilities of these wetland plants, the integrated system showcases its potential to transform waste into a valuable resource while minimizing the environmental footprint. In a world that demands sustainable solutions, this pioneering approach paves the way for a greener future in wastewater treatment for Integrated Poultry and Aquaculture industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) significantly contribute to atmospheric chemistry at both regional and global scales. The composition and intensity of BVOC emissions vary significantly among different plant species. Previous studies have focused on BVOC emissions from tree species, but the results of research on BVOC emissions from wetland plants are still limited. Therefore, in this study, BVOCs emitted by three aquatic plants (Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, and Iris pseudacorus) were sampled and analyzed using a dynamic headspace technique combined with GC-MS at daily scales. The diurnal observation data showed that the total BVOC emission rates of the three plants peaked with the increase in environmental factors (temperature, PAR, and water temperature). P. australis was the only of the three plants that emitted isoprene with a high rate of 48.34 μg·g−1Dw·h−1. Moreover, the peak emission rates of total BVOC (78.45 μg·g−1Dw·h−1) in P. australis were higher than most tree species. The emissions rates of volatile organic compounds, including monoterpenes, oxygenated volatile organic compounds, alkanes, and other volatile organic compounds, were statistically correlated across all species. The emission rates of isoprene from P. australis had significant associations with intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) (0.58, p < 0.05) and transpiration rate (Tr) (−0.63, p < 0.01). The emission rates of monoterpenes from P. australis were found to have a significantly positive correlation with the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (0.58, p < 0.05) while T. angustifolia (−0.59, p < 0.05) and I. pseudacorus (−0.47, p < 0.05) showed the opposite trend. Such findings hold significance for the refinement of localized emission inventories and the development of comprehensive emission process models in future research, as BVOC emissions from wetland plants were reported here for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipsacus gmelinii is here reported as a new addition to the vascular flora of Bulgaria. It was recorded on Belene Island, in the Danube River. In the present paper, the species is described morphologically with an emphasis on carpomorphological characters. The distinctive differences from related species of the genus are also highlighted. Additionally, ecological conditions and floristic composition at the localities of the species, and phytosociological relationships of the communities in which it participates are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the U.N. Decade on Restoration progresses, the demand for genetically and species‐diverse native plant materials for restoration is expected to increase. However, little is known about the availability of plant materials for restoration, particularly in wetlands, which have lagged behind in restoration research. Given the crucial role wetlands play in providing ecosystem services, particularly in semi‐arid regions worldwide, it is important to understand the availability of wetland plant materials for restoration. We surveyed plant material vendors in the Intermountain West of the United States, a vast region containing hundreds of millions of hectares of private working lands and protected areas. We sought to determine the breadth and diversity of species and materials available for restoration, the practices used by vendors, and the challenges they face. We found far lower availability of aquatic, emergent, and meadow wetland species compared to riparian and terrestrial species. To improve species availability, vendors need financial incentives to produce new or difficult‐to‐propagate species and clearer feedback from customers on what species meet their restoration goals. Market fluctuations are the biggest challenge that vendors face, and creating consistent demand is the most important way to overcome this challenge. Overall, vendors follow best practices for obtaining and maintaining genetic diversity in their seed and plant collections, a critical component to meeting restoration goals. However, there are still some opportunities to improve best practices. The results add to the understanding of the challenges in meeting plant material demand for restoration in wetlands regionally and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) has grown rapidly in China since its introduction in 1979, showing the trend of alien species invasion, which has seriously affected the ecosystem balance of coastal wetlands. The temporal and spatial expansion law of S. alterniflora can be obtained through remote sensing monitoring, which can provide a reference and basis for S. alterniflora management. This paper presents a method for extracting and mapping S. alterniflora based on phenological characteristics. The coastal areas of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration are selected as the research area, and the Landsat time series data from 1990 to 2022 on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform are used to support the experiment in this paper. Firstly, the possible growing area of S. alterniflora was extracted using the normalized differential moisture index (NDMI), normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized differential water index (NDWI); Then, the time series curve characterizing the phenological characteristics of vegetation was constructed using the vegetation index to determine the difference phase of phenological characteristics between S. alterniflora and other vegetation. Finally, a decision tree was constructed based on the phenological feature difference phase data to extract S. alterniflora, and it is applied to the analysis of temporal and spatial changes of S. alterniflora in the study area from 1990 to 2022. The results show that the area of S. alterniflora increased from ~1426 ha in 1990 to ~44,508 ha in 2022. However, the area of S. alterniflora began to show negative growth in 2015 due to the construction of nature reserves and ecological management. The results of correlation analysis showed that the growth of C. japonicum was significantly affected by temperature stress and weakly affected by precipitation. This study verified that Landsat time series images can effectively extract vegetation phenological information, which has strong feasibility for extraction and dynamic monitoring of S. alterniflora and provides technical support for the management and monitoring of invasive plants in coastal wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland vegetation and ecology of Lake Abaya in the southern Ethiopia was studied to determine floristic composition, plant community type and vegetation ecology. A total of 102 plots were laid along transects that were set up preferentially across areas where there were rapid changes in vegetation or marked environmental gradients to collect data on estimate of percentage aerial cover of plant species and environmental variables. Vegetation data was analyzed by agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis using similarity ratio as a resemblance index and Ward's linkage method. Multivariate data analysis was performed using appropriate packages in R version 2.14.0. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to explore the relationship between the species composition and environmental variables. The environmental data included in the CCA were determined using stepwise backward and forward selection of variables by ANOVA test. Statistical measurement regarding species diversity, richness and evenness of the plant community types was carried out by using Shannon-Wiener diversity indices. A total of 92 plant species belonging to 66 genera and 34 families were identified. Families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Cyperaceae, Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Amaranthaceae account for about 56.99% of the total proportion. Based on the cluster analysis, five plant community types were identified. The most important factors influencing the plant species composition and pattern of wetland plant communities were water drainage, water depth, land use, slope, altitude, and hydrogeomorphology. Therefore, these factors should be considered in future management and protection under the circumstance of climate change and human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Integrating traits across above‐ and belowground organs offers comprehensive insights into plant ecology, but their various functions also increase model complexity. This study aimed to illuminate the interspecific pattern of whole‐plant trait correlations through a network lens, including a detailed analysis of the root system. Using a network algorithm that allows individual traits to belong to multiple modules, we characterize interrelations among 19 traits, spanning both shoot and root phenology, architecture, morphology, and tissue properties of 44 species, mostly herbaceous monocots from Northern Ontario wetlands, grown in a common garden. The resulting trait network shows three distinct yet partially overlapping modules. Two major trait modules indicate constraints of plant size and form, and resource economics, respectively. These modules highlight the interdependence between shoot size, root architecture and porosity, and a shoot–root coordination in phenology and dry‐matter content. A third module depicts leaf biomechanical adaptations specific to wetland graminoids. All three modules overlap on shoot height, suggesting multifaceted constraints of plant stature. In the network, individual‐level traits showed significantly higher centrality than tissue‐level traits do, demonstrating a hierarchical trait integration. The presented whole‐plant, integrated network suggests that trait covariation is essentially function‐driven rather than organ‐specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands are fundamental deposits of organic carbon. Thus, their protection is of crucial importance to avoid emissions from their degradation. Peat is a mixture of organic soil that originates from the accumulation of wetland plants under continuous or cyclical anaerobic conditions for long periods. Hence, a precise quantification of peat deposits is extremely important; for that, remote‐ and proximal‐sensing techniques are excellent candidates. Unfortunately, remote‐sensing can provide information only on the few shallowest centimeters, whereas peatlands often extend to several meters in depth. In addition, peatlands are usually characterized by difficult (flooded) terrains. So, frequency‐domain electromagnetic instruments, as they are compact and contactless, seem to be the ideal solution for the quantitative assessment of the extension and geometry of peatlands. Generally, electromagnetic methods are used to infer the electrical resistivity of the subsurface. In turn, the resistivity distribution can, in principle, be interpreted to infer the morphology of the peatland. Here, to some extent, we show how to shortcut the process and include the expectation and uncertainty regarding the peat resistivity directly into a probabilistic inversion workflow. The present approach allows for retrieving what really matters: the spatial distribution of the probability of peat occurrence, rather than the mere electrical resistivity. To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed probabilistic approach, we compare the outcomes against the more traditional deterministic fully nonlinear (Occam's) inversion and against some boreholes available in the investigated area. Plain Language Summary: Wetlands are carbon pools subtracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and accumulating it underground. The processes ongoing in these ecosystems form a dark soil, extremely rich in organic matter, known as "peat." Globally, peatlands are responsible for storing almost as much carbon as the atmosphere. For that reason and to preserve them, it is very important to develop tools capable of mapping peatlands. A good candidate for this goal is a geophysical method based on the diffusion of electromagnetic signals into the ground. How the electromagnetic signals propagate depends on the electrical resistivity of the subsurface. So, by studying those signals, we can think of reconstructing, point‐by‐point, the electrical resistivity variability in the subsurface. Broadly speaking, different resistivities correspond to different sediments. So, in turn, we can use the reconstructed resistivity distribution to map the peat deposits. In this study, we show how to translate directly the electromagnetic signal into the probability of finding peat (rather than in recovering the electrical property of the subsurface). We tested our approach on a data set collected across an Alpine peatland in Italy and we verified our results against direct investigations and against more traditional ways to interpret the geophysical signals. Key Points: Electromagnetic data can be inverted directly for the probability of peat and clay occurrenceThe 3D geometry and volume of Alpine peatlands were determined via a fast, proximal‐sensing, geophysical method and verified against boreholesProbabilistic approaches to geophysical inversion can incorporate complex prior information and, contextually, assess result uncertainties [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bolboschoenus planiculmis (F.Schmidt) T.V.Egorova is a typical wetland plant in the species-rich Cyperaceae family. This species contributes prominently to carbon dynamics and trophic integration in wetland ecosystems. Previous studies have reported that the chromosomes of B. planiculmis are holocentric; i.e. they have kinetic activity along their entire length and carry multiple centromeres. This feature was suggested to lead to a rapid genome evolution through chromosomal fissions and fusions and participate to the diversification and ecological success of the Bolboschoenus genus. However, the specific mechanism remains uncertain, partly due to the scarcity of genetic information on Bolboschoenus. We present here the first chromosome-level genome assembly for B. planiculmis. Through the integration of high-quality long-read and short-read data, together with chromatin conformation using Hi-C technology, the ultimate genome assembly was 238.01 Mb with a contig N50 value of 3.61 Mb. Repetitive elements constituted 37.04% of the genome, and 18,760 protein-coding genes were predicted. The low proportion of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (∼9.62%) was similar to that reported for other Cyperaceae species. The Ks (synonymous substitutions per synonymous site) distribution suggested no recent large-scale genome duplication in this genome. The haploid assembly contained a large number of 54 pseudochromosomes with a small mean size of 4.10 Mb, covering most of the karyotype. The results of centromere detection support that not all the chromosomes in B. planiculmis have multiple centromeres, indicating more efforts are needed to fully reveal the specific style of holocentricity in cyperids and its evolutionary significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arid sagebrush landscape of the Gunnison Basin, Colorado is home to the federally threatened Gunnison sage‐grouse (GUSG; Centrocercus minimus) and is expected to become hotter and drier with a changing climate. Wet meadows within the sagebrush ecosystem are a critical lifeline for wildlife and livestock, particularly during drought years, yet they occupy less than 2% of the landscape. Our objective was to enhance wet meadow drought resiliency by slowing the water down, reconnecting floodplains, and increasing wetland vegetation. Indirectly we also aimed to enhance GUSG habitat and improve rangeland condition. Between 2012 and 2020, we constructed nearly 900 low‐tech restoration structures (Zeedyk structures), across seven drainageways with wet meadows. Six of these years were drought years. We used a before‐after‐control‐impact design to assess vegetation response. Vegetation data were collected on 135 randomly selected treated and 30 control transects. We found that 75% of ephemeral units and all of perennial units achieved or surpassed the wetland plant cover management goal of a 4% yearly increase. This led to an average enhancement of 40% in wetland plant cover in the treated drainageways. There was a significant positive difference between treated and control transects in 50% of the drainageways, regardless of hydroperiod status. The low‐tech restoration structures were effective at rewetting perennial and ephemeral wet meadows within the arid landscape, even during a megadrought, and reduced non‐native invasive weeds in all but one of the treated units. Forbs and grasses critical to sage‐grouse and important to livestock operations increased in 67% of the units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland plants, including rice (Oryza spp.), have developed multiple functional adaptive traits to survive soil flooding, partial submergence or even complete submergence. In waterlogged soils and under water, diffusion of O2 and CO2 is extremely slow with severe impacts on photosynthesis and respiration. As a response to shallow floods or rising floodwater, several rice varieties, including deepwater rice, elongate their stems to keep their leaves above the water surface so that photosynthesis can occur unhindered during partial submergence. In stark contrast, some other varieties hardly elongate even if they become completely submerged. Instead, their metabolism is reduced to an absolute minimum so that carbohydrates are conserved enabling fast regrowth once the floodwater recedes. This review focuses on the fascinating functional adaptive traits conferring tolerance to soil flooding, partial or complete submergence. We provide a general analysis of these traits focusing on molecular, anatomical and morphological, physiological and ecological levels. Some of these key traits have already been introgressed into modern highyielding genotypes improving flood tolerance of several cultivars used by millions of farmers in Asia. However, with the ongoing changes in climate, we propose that even more emphasis should be placed on improving flood tolerance of rice by breeding for rice that can tolerate longer periods of complete submergence or stagnant flooding. Such tolerance could be achieved via additional tissues; i.e. aquatic adventitious roots relevant during partial submergence, and leaves with higher underwater photosynthesis caused by a longer gas film retention time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing water and energy demand in agriculture due to changing climatic conditions and high resource consumption is widespread in Central Asia. Under these constraints, compounded by lack of irrigation water, farmers are opting to use drainage water for crop production, with negative consequences. Focusing on Uzbekistan, we evaluate the governance of farmer adoption of selected technological innovations (i.e., constructed wetlands and biogas) to improve crop productivity while providing water and energy savings. We build upon farmers' expressed views of the strategic decisions they would take regarding constructed wetlands and biogas plants. We use institutional analysis to identify relevant action situations, highlight potential institutional complementarity between these situations, and indicate promising areas for policy intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Floating plants created an environment conducive to CH 4 oxidation and therefore reduced CH 4 fluxes. • E. crassipes had best performance on oxidation and reducing emission of methane. • Methylotrophy and Methanotrophy function in root biofilms were related to methane oxidation. Wetlands are one of the important natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH 4), as an important part of wetlands, floating plants can be expected to affect methane release. However, the effects of floating plants on methane release are limited. In this study, methane fluxes, physiochemical properties of the overlying water, methane oxidation potential and rhizospheric bacterial community were investigated in simulated wetlands with floating plants Eichhornia crassipes, Hydrocharis dubia , and Trapa natans. We found that E. crassipes, H. dubia , and T. natans plants could inhibit 84.31% - 97.31%, 4.98% - 88.91% and 43.62% - 92.51% of methane fluxes at interface of water-atmosphere compared to Control, respectively. Methane fluxes were negatively related to nutrients concentration in water column but positively related to the aerenchyma proportions of roots, stems, and leaves. At the same biomass, root of E. crassipes (36.44%) had the highest methane oxidation potential, followed by H. dubia (12.99%) and T. natans (11.23%). Forty-five bacterial phyla in total were identified on roots of three plants and 7 bacterial genera (2.10% - 3.33%) were known methanotrophs. Type I methanotrophs accounted for 95.07% of total methanotrophs. The pmoA gene abundances ranged from 1.90 × 1016 to 2.30 × 1018 copies/g fresh weight of root biofilms. Abundances of pmoA gene was significantly positively correlated with environmental parameters. Methylotrophy (5.40%) and methanotrophy (3.75%) function were closely related to methane oxidation. This study highlights that floating plant restoration can purify water and promote carbon neutrality partially by reducing methane fluxes through methane oxidation in wetlands. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to the resource capacity of habitats of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.), an invasive species. Insufficient forage supply is a deterrent to the expansion of the range of this species, which has been actively settling in Eurasia in recent decades. Complexes of herbaceous wetland plants (macrophytes) can be a significant source of feed for these animals under certain conditions. However, at the edge of the range, which is currently limited to the forest–steppe zone in the south, the lack of development of aquatic macrophytes could lead to containment of the settlement of this species. It is shown that the conducted studies are important from the viewpoint of forecasting the stability of populations of the Eurasian beaver in the forest–steppe zone, assessing changes in their structure and abundance, and determining the limits of possible expansion of the range of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a laboratory-scale Hybrid Constructed Wetland (HCW) for industrial wastewater treatment planted with different macrophytes at different hydraulic retention times (HRT). The results revealed that the HCW planted with Phragmites australis and Lemna minor (PA/LMs), and the HCW planted with Typha latifolia and Lemna minor (TL/LMs) were able to improve the physicochemical proprieties of industrial wastewater, and were efficient enough to remove the heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of water level changes on the growth and physiology of Arundo donax var. versicolor and to understand its adaptive mechanisms to water level fluctuations, this study was conducted. A. donax var. versicolor was selected as the experimental species, and a dual-pot method was employed to simulate both rising and falling water level conditions. The study analyzed morphological characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, leaf traits, root traits), biomass, and photosynthetic features (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a + b, carotenoids) of A. donax var. versicolor under these two water level conditions. The results revealed that (1) under the condition of rising water level, the morphological characteristics and chlorophyll content showed an overall trend of increasing initially and then decreasing with the increase of the rate. The growth rate of 0.2–0.4 cm/d groups were better, while exceeding its tolerance range led to a decrease in photosynthetic pigment content and even cell inactivation. (2) falling water level were more complex, with plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area being higher in the 0.8–1 cm/d groups, but values for leaf number and root characteristics were lower. This suggests that moderate stress can promote the growth of A. donax var. versicolor, but in the later stages, it can lead to leaf yellowing, root shrinkage, and even death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological fluctuations are key abiotic stresses that influence plant growth and photosynthetic processes of wetland plants. However, the response mechanism of the plant characteristics and photosynthesis of Carex schmidtii, with respect to hydrological fluctuations, are still unclear. Comparative studies of plant size parameters, biomass parameters, and photosynthesis parameters of C. schmidtii under the interactive influence of initial water depth (WD), water-level amplitude (WA), and duration time, were performed. The coupling relationship between any two factors of the plant characteristics of C. schmidtii was also examined. Generally, the results showed that the WD and WA treatments, and the duration time, significantly affected plant size, biomass, and photosynthesis of C. schmidtii. The exception was the effect by the WA on the biomass and the NPQ. Furthermore, the biomass and photosynthesis of C. schmidtii were significantly affected by the interactive effects by WD and WA. The plant size, biomass, and photosynthesis parameters of C. schmidtii first increased and then decreased over time. Larger values of plant size, biomass, and photosynthesis parameters (except for qL and NPQ) were found for the treatment with an initial water depth of 0 cm. As was the situation with WD, the largest values of plant height, chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm, and ΔFv/Fm' were obtained for a water-level amplitude of 0 cm. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content was positively related to the plant size parameters, Fv/Fm, ΔFv/Fm', and qL. Except for qL, ΔFv/Fm' had a significant relationship with all plant factors. Lower water levels and smaller water level changes are more conducive to the growth and photosynthese of C. schmidtii. Plant size, biomass accumulation and photosynthesis of C. schmidtii collectively coped with hydrological fluctuations. The findings have improved understanding of the response of C. schmidtii to hydrological fluctuations. They have thereby provided invaluable information for the restoration, management and conservation of tussock wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water level plays an important role in the growth and development of wetland plants. To study the ecological responses of the growth and physiology of Triarrhena lularioriparia under different water levels, seedlings were used as the study materials and in 13 water level gradient treatment groups, −67, −54, −42, −34, −29, −16, −3.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 cm. The results showed that (1) the plant height, leaf number and root activity of T. lularioriparia first increased and then decreased with the increment of the water level gradient, and the highest values appeared at a water level of approximately 0 cm; (2) the concentrations of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), chlorophyll (a + b) (Chl a + b) and biomass first increased and then decreased with the increment of the water level gradient. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme concentrations of T. lularioriparia first increased and then decreased, and both reached their maximums at a water level of approximately 20 cm. The soluble protein decreased and then increased with the change in the water level gradient and reached its lowest value at 31 cm; soluble protein increased slightly at 30–40 cm but showed a stable trend after the waterlogging depth exceeded 40 cm. (3) The water level ecological amplitude of T. lularioriparia was [−38.62, 41.07 cm], and the optimum water level ecological amplitude was [−11.04, 20.15 cm]. This study demonstrates that T. lularioriparia could adapt to drought and flooding stress to a certain extent, but it could be stressed if the water level exceeded the suitable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth, development, distribution, and dynamic processes of wetland plants are altered by water level fluctuations, which can even have an impact on the structure and stability of wetland ecosystems. In this research, the experiment was conducted to investigate the plasticity difference and adaptability of Artemisia selengensis under special hydrological situations by simulating three types of water levels (rising, falling, and stable). The results showed that (1) The suitable water level for the growth of A. selengensis was 0 cm-15 cm, i.e. the tolerance threshold was 15 cm. When the flooding depth was lower than 15 cm, both plant height and biomass increased with the duration of the experiment. The growth was inhibited when the flooding depth was higher than 15 cm. A. selengensis in the 20 cm-30 cm water level gradient group at the stable water level responded to flooding stress by reducing aboveground biomass and increasing belowground biomass. (2) Among the 12 physiological traits of A. selengensis, PPI was distributed between 0.036-0.785, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD), soluble sugars and superoxide anion plasticity changes were the most sensitive, and photosynthetic pigment plasticity changes were insensitive. The coefficients of variation were distributed between 0.156-0.657, with higher coefficients of variation for antioxidant enzymes and soluble sugars (CV > 0.2), while the rest of the traits were stable. A. selengensis was most suitable for growth and reproduction when the flooding depth was below 15 cm. A. selengensis responds to flooding stress mainly by adjusting morphological plasticity and biomass allocation to various organs and regulating physiological plasticities such as antioxidant enzymes, soluble sugars, and superoxide anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host specificity determination of weed biocontrol agents has historically relied on evidence generated through quarantine trials in the region of introduction. These trials could give 'false positive' results due to a maximum type I error probability, and where possible, more research under field conditions should be conducted in the region of origin. The oligophagous, semiaquatic grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Tetrataeniini), was released in South Africa for the biological control of Pontederia crassipes Pellegrini and Horn (Pontederiaceae). The aim of this study was to assess how the performance and field host range of C. aquaticum varies according to its stages of development, and how this contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the fundamental (laboratory‐based) and the ecological (field‐based) host range of this grasshopper, and its implications for water hyacinth biocontrol. We conducted post‐release laboratory no‐choice trials, confining early instars (instars 1 and 2), later instars (instars 3–6), and adult females and males in mesh cages, to determine insect performance on wetland plants growing in sympatry with P. crassipes. Also, gut analysis from field‐collected C. aquaticum was done to determine the ecological host range of this insect, identifying epidermal tissue of consumed plants. In no‐choice trials, survival rates of the later instars and adult C. aquaticum were similar on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Oxycaryum cubense (Poepp. & Kunth) Lye (Cyperaceae), and P. crassipes. However, under field conditions, P. crassipes and the congeneric Pontederia azurea Sw. were the only plant contents in the guts of early instars and the most abundant species in later instars and adults. The results support the hypothesis that C. aquaticum is an oligophagous insect on the genus Pontederia, and that different life stages should be considered when conducting host‐specificity trials in externally feeding mobile herbivore species. Diet composition of field‐collected insects thus could help detect false positives in laboratory trials, being an additional and realistic approach in understanding and predicting the selection processes of the insect in the new environment. Retrospective analysis of potential agents that were rejected due to lack of host‐specificity, using the methods from this study, could add a suite of additional agents to programs where invasive weeds remain unmanaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phragmites plants are used in traditional medicine for a range of health disorders. • Several chemically diverse metabolites have been reported from Phragmites species. • Flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds, and terpenoids are the major identified classes. • These plants showed varied biological and therapeutic effects on various body systems. • A detailed phytopharmacological exploration of all Phragmites species is recommended. Phragmites (reed) is a small genus of four species belonging to the common grass family Poaceae and the subfamily Arundinoideae. It is one of the most widespread genera of wetland plants in the world and plays an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance in these environments. Besides their ecological value, plants of the genus Phragmites have been also employed in traditional medicine against several health disorders. To date, research studies on some Phragmites species revealed the presence of varied groups of phytochemicals that comprised nitrogenous compounds, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, quinones, terpenoids, steroids, as well as fatty acids and their esters, among others. Moreover, various organic extracts of different organs of these plants have been reported to show a range of biological and pharmacological properties, such as analgesic, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and hepatoprotective activities, while the available toxicological data have suggested the safety of Phragmites species studied so far. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive account on the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of the genus Phragmites , outlining the present gaps and future research perspectives in order to help expand its therapeutic applications and possible contribution to the pharmaceutical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternanthera sessilis is a plant native to wetlands that is commonly known in the Philippines as "bunga-bunga" (Tagalog). Currently, A. sessilis is available as a natural product that can combat anemia in the Philippines. Anemia, together with diabetes, is one of the complications experienced during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify the safety of A. sessilis as a supplement for pregnant mothers by testing its embryotoxic and possible teratogenic effects in pregnant mice. The experimental design consisted of supplementation of 7.3 mg/mL (low) and 73 mg/mL (high) A. sessilis to pregnant dams compared with 10,000 IU/kg of isotretinoin (positive control), soybean oil (vehicle control), and distilled water (negative control group). Reproductive parameters, histological parameters, and gene expression pattern changes were observed in the embryos of pregnant dams. Dams and embryos in the isotretinoin group had reduced reproductive performance and induced teratogenicity. Administration of a low dose (7.3 mg/mL) of A. sessilis capsule showed no significant changes in the reproductive performance of dams and embryo development (E11.5). Although not significant, a higher dose (73 mg/mL) of A. sessilis resulted in a slight reduction in reproductive performance and embryo growth when compared with the negative control group. According to the immunohistochemistry results, the high-dose group of A. sessilis had a significant increase in the expression of BCL-2 anti-apoptotic protein in the embryonic liver (E11.5) when compared with the negative control group and the isotretinoin group. The findings in this study suggest that the use of A. sessilis as a supplement at a low dose can be beneficial during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinization is a great threat to wetlands and freshwater ecosystems. Increased salinity can disturb native aquatic vegetation and provide an empty niche for invasion of non-native species. To understand the fate of aquatic flora under increased salinity levels, 14 dominant wetland species with different growth forms (submersed, amphibious, floating-leaved, emergent and woody/tree) were exposed to increased salinity conditions. The objective was to assess the salt tolerance threshold for each species and model their performance in response to a salinity gradient ranging from 0.2 to 20 parts per thousand (ppt). Plant growth and survival rate were analyzed using a nonlinear regression model to project sublethal salinity concentrations that would reduce biomass and visual quality of each species by 50% (LC50). Results showed that a few non-native species (alligatorweed: Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., torpedograss: Panicum repens L., and Brazilian peppertree: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) survived 20 ppt salinity, whereas all other native and non-native species perished at salinity below 10 ppt. Increased salinity can suppress salt-sensitive native plants and increase the opportunity of invasion for salt-tolerant non-native species. This suggests that alligatorweed, torpedograss and Brazilian peppertree pose a more significant threat to the ecosystem if salinity levels continue to increase in freshwater ecosystems and exacerbate the encroachment of non-native species into native plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetland plants have particular advantages in removing pollutants from rural domestic sewage. This article summarized the types and characteristics of constructed wetlands used to treat rural domestic sewage, expounded on the current status of the selection and configuration of constructed wetland plants, summarized the research progress of plants in constructed wetlands in the treatment of rural domestic sewage on organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus removal mechanisms, and proposed scientific references for optimal plant screening and allocation. It is crucial for wetland plants to efficiently treat rural domestic sewage, restore water ecological functions, improve the rural living environment, and help the construction of beautiful villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are a cost-effective ecological engineering tool for the restoration of polluted water bodies. The aims of this work were to evaluate the removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) by FTWs using Typha domingensis, and to assess Cr accumulation and distribution in plant tissues and sediment. Treatments were 5 and 10 mg L−1 of Cr(III), and 5 and 10 mg L−1 of Cr(VI), with and without FTWs, and biological control (BC) with FTW without Cr addition. Both Cr species were efficiently removed from water in all treatments (Cr removal > 80%). Cr concentration in sediments of treatment without FTWs was significantly higher than in sediments of treatments with FTWs, indicating that T. domingensis was directly involved in Cr removal. In sediment, Cr was mainly bound to the organic matter in all treatments with a low risk of future release under FTW conditions. T. domingensis demonstrated tolerance to both Cr species at 5 and 10 mg L−1 with Cr accumulated mainly in the roots in all treatments. The use of FTWs planted with T. domingensis is a suitable tool to remediate water bodies contaminated with Cr. This study evaluates the removal efficiency of Cr(III) and Cr(V) in Floating Treatment Wetlands planted with Typha domingensis in greenhouse experiments. Cr accumulation and distribution in plant tissues and different sediment fractions were also assessed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed metal pollution in wetland ecosystems in North-western Nigeria, which is susceptible to pollution from various sources including agriculture, industry and urbanisation. The study analysed the concentrations of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and iron (Fe) in wetland soils and plants from 10 sites in the region. Pollution indices, including contamination factor, modified degree of contamination, Nemerow pollution index and pollution load index, were used to determine the extent of metal pollution in the study area, while transfer factors were calculated to assess the potential for metal transfer from soils to plants. The results showed that metal concentrations in wetland soils and plants varied widely depending on the location and the metal of interest, with some sites showing higher concentrations due to agricultural and mining activities. The pollution indices indicated that metal pollution was generally moderate to highly polluted in the study areas, with some metals showing higher potential for transfer from soil to plants than others. This study provides valuable insights into the extent and severity of metal pollution in some wetland soils and plants in Northern Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of alien plant species is of global concern, yet our understanding of their dispersal mechanisms is limited. Here we address the potential of alien plant seeds to disperse via ingestion, transport and egestion in waterfowl (endozoochory). Based on their general rapid expansions, we expected alien plant species to have several advantages for endozoochory compared to native plant species. We hypothesised that seeds of alien species would have higher passage rate, longer gut retention times, higher germinability after gut passage and shorter time‐to‐germination after egestion by waterfowl.In order to test our hypotheses, we compared the endozoochorous dispersal ability of six pairs of congeneric alien and native wetland plant species in a feeding experiment with mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). We focused on differences in seed survival, gut retention time, germinability and time‐to‐germination. In the analyses we corrected for seed shape and volume as these seed traits are known to have important effects.With gut passage, alien species had higher passage rates and germinated slower, whereas native species had shorter retention times and greater germinability. Controlling for seed traits did not alter these conclusions, but seed traits affected all aspects of the endozoochory process. This suggests that alien species may have particular traits correlated with a higher endozoochory potential. Among control seeds, alien seeds germinated faster and their germinability was higher than natives. Seed traits explained differences in germinability and time‐to‐germination in control seeds.Seeds of alien plant species have traits that correlate with successful endozoochory. This may provide alien species with a competitive advantage over native plant species by ensuring higher endozoochory rates in new environments, potentially enabling their rapid expansions. Our study underlines the important role of seed traits in the endozoochory potential of alien and native plant species, notably through their influence on retention time and germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) pollution in wetlands, mainly as As(III) and As(V), has threatened wetland plant growth. It has been well documented that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can alleviate As stress in terrestrial plants. However, whether AM fungi can protect natural wetland plants from As stress remains largely unknown. Therefore, three hydroponic experiments were conducted in which Iris tectorum Maxim. (I. tectorum) plants were exposed to As(III) or As(V) stresses, to investigate the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation on As uptake, efflux, and accumulation. The results suggested that short-term kinetics of As influx in I. tectorum followed the Michaelis–Menten function. Mycorrhizal inoculation decreased the maximum uptake rate (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km) of plants for As(III) influx, while yielding no significant difference in As(V) influx. Generally, mycorrhizal plants released more As into environments after 72 h efflux, especially under As(V) exposure. Moreover, mycorrhizal plants exhibited potential higher As accumulation capacity, probably due to more active As reduction, which was one of the mechanisms through which AM fungi mitigate As phytotoxicity. Our study has revealed the role of aerobic microorganism AM fungi in regulating As translocation in wetland plants and supports the involvement of AM fungi in alleviating plant As stress in anaerobic wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The movement of gases within plants is crucial for species that live in flood‐prone areas with limited soil oxygen. These plants adapt to hypoxia/anoxia not by using oxygen more efficiently, but by ensuring a steady oxygen supply to their cells. Wetland plants typically form gas‐filled spaces (aerenchyma) in their tissues, providing a low‐resistance pathway for gas movement between shoots and roots, especially when the shoots are above water, and the roots are submerged. Oxygen movement in plant roots is mainly through diffusion. However, in certain species, such as emergent and floating‐leaved plants, pressurized flows can also facilitate the movement of gases within their stems and rhizomes. Three types of pressurized (convective) flows have been identified: humidity‐induced pressurization (positive pressure), thermal osmosis (positive pressure with air flow against the heat gradient), and venturi‐induced suction (negative pressure) caused by wind passing over broken culms. A clear diel variation in pressurized flows exists, with higher pressures and flows during the day and negligible pressures and flows during the night. This article discusses some key aspects of these mechanisms for oxygen movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For six selected Afromontane wetlands in Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda, located at varying elevations, we present preliminary insights into the pollination biology of six selected plant species. We found bees and flies to be particularly common flower visitors across plants and wetlands, followed by five species of birds, beetles, butterflies, and moths. We observed no obvious elevational trends in visitation rates, but pollinator specialisation did seem to vary across both plant species and wetlands. We provide insights into a partial pollinator network as a baseline reference for further studies or monitoring efforts of plant–pollinator interaction patterns and processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alisma L. is a genus of aquatic and wetland plants belonging to family Alismataceae. At present, it is thought to contain ten species. Variation in ploidy level is known in the genus, with diploids, tetraploids and hexaploids recorded. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies of Alisma have generated a robust backbone that reveals important aspects of the evolutionary history of this cosmopolitan genus, yet questions remain unresolved about the formation of the polyploid taxa and the taxonomy of one particularly challenging, widely distributed species complex. Here we directly sequenced, or cloned and sequenced, nuclear DNA (nrITS and phyA) and chloroplast DNA (matK, ndhF, psbA-trnH and rbcL) of multiple samples of six putative species and two varieties, and conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses. Alisma canaliculatum and its two varieties known in East Asia and A. rariflorum endemic to Japan possess closely related but heterogeneous genomes, strongly indicating that the two species were generated from two diploid progenitors, and are possibly siblings of one another. This evolutionary event may have occurred in Japan. Alisma canaliculatum var. canaliculatum is segregated into two types, each of which are geographically slightly differentiated in Japan. We reconstructed a single phylogeny based on the multi-locus data using Homologizer and then applied species delimitation analysis (STACEY). This allowed us to discern A. orientale as apparently endemic to the Southeast Asian Massif and distinct from the widespread A. plantago-aquatica. The former species was most likely formed through parapatric speciation at the southern edge of the distribution of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is an environmental issue of common concern to the international community. The response of plants to climate change reflects the growth and survival strategies of plants in response to climate change. Leaf economic traits are directly related to the resource acquisition, utilization and storage of plant, and are significantly affected by temperature conditions and CO2 concentration. A capped growth chamber with an artificial environment control system was used to study the response of the leaf economic traits of the widely spread wetland plants Scirpus validus and Typha orientalis to the simulated warming(current ambient temperature +2 ℃)and doubled CO2 concentration(increased to 850 μmol·mol-1). The results were as follows:(1)The net photosynthetic rate, contents of N and P Scirpus validus were significantly reduced, but the intercellular CO2 concentration and leaf mass per area increased significantly under increased temperature treatment. Both the intercellular CO2 concentration and net photosynthetic rate of S. validus were significantly reduced, but the leaf mass per area was significantly increased under the treatment of doubled CO2 concentration.(2)Similar to S. validus, the leaf mass per area of Typha orientalis also increased significantly, while the contents of N and P were significantly reduced under warming treatment; in addition, the photosynthetic parameters, contents of N and P of T. orientalis were significantly reduced, while the leaf mass per area increased significantly under the treatment of doubled CO2 concentration.(3)The leaf mass per area, contents of N and P, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration of Scirpus validus were significantly correlated with the first two axes of the principal component analysis; while all the studied leaf economic traits of Typha orientalis were related to two environment variables, indicating that these traits played an important role in the response of plants to changes in temperature and CO2 concentration.(4)In addition to C content, other economic trait parameters of Scirpus validus and Typha orientalis including net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, contents of N and P and leaf mass per area were all played important roles in response to increasing temperature and doubled CO2 concentration. Overall, these results reflect the response strategies of Scirpus validus and Typha orientalis on functional traits to increasing temperature and doubled CO2 concentration. The photosynthetic capacity and nutrient contents of the two species are significantly inhibited under the two treatments, but their resistance to stress increased, indicating that the increase in temperature and CO2 concentration are not conducive to the growth of the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration of natural processes in ecosystems is key to mitigate the biodiversity crisis. Here, we evaluate 20 Danish stream‐valley restoration projects—mainly by rewetting—in terms of successful restoration of natural wetland habitats. We used quadratic discriminant analysis and generalized linear models to compare 80 vegetation plots from the restoration projects with >60,000 natural or semi‐natural wetland reference plots. We modeled the influence of time since restoration, grazing, rewetting, and nutrient availability on (1) the probability that study plots belong to natural habitats and (2) their richness of high‐quality‐habitat indicator species. The probability of a restored wetland having developed into a natural wetland habitat—such as an alkaline fen—was generally below 10%. Also, we found only half as many indicator species in restored wetlands than in reference wetlands and we demonstrated that the number of characteristic alkaline fen species did not deviate from what could be expected under the prevailing nutrient conditions. We found a negative effect of soil nutrient availability on the number of high‐quality‐habitat indicator species and the lowest probability of plots being natural wetlands in the most nutrient rich plots. The effect of grazing was only positive in the first years after restoration and only in the most nutrient rich plots, while the effect of rewetting sites to historical hydrological conditions was generally negative. Our findings suggest that unnaturally high nutrient availability is probably the core limiting factor for successful restoration of natural wetlands and their associated plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland plants form blue carbon ecosystems, which are key for climate change mitigation yet threatened by multiple local and global stresses. The capacity of blue carbon ecosystems to store large amounts of carbon relies on ecological processes, many of them regulated by plant traits that are shaped by the stress that plants encounter.This manuscript provides a perspective to investigate the effects of stress on carbon storage and sequestration capacity of blue carbon ecosystems based on the plant traits.A first step was to identify the biochemical, physiological, morphological and growth and development traits involved in the processes controlling carbon storage and sequestration in blue carbon ecosystems.Second, the existing knowledge on the stress effects on blue carbon processes and ecosystems was evaluated.Finally, the application of the trait‐based approach to understand and predict carbon dynamics in blue carbon ecosystems under different stresses' feedback was discussed.The conclusions provide key recommendations for a trait‐based approach in which the trinomial local and global stresses, plant traits and blue carbon are embraced together to identify the feedbacks between them, along with specific attention to the plant traits across the seascape, the stress interactions and the need of plant trait standardization. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling non-native plant invasions that reduce the quality of preferred wetland habitats is a challenge for many wetland managers. Herbicides may be used to control invasions, but it may be difficult to find effective application methods depending on the terrain. Manned aircraft cover large patches, but aerial use is limited by high costs, weather conditions, and overspray concerns. Ground applications target smaller patches, but their effectiveness may be limited by accessibility, labor costs, and applicator health concerns. Considering these difficulties, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have emerged as a viable alternative for more effectively treating plant invasions. We tested the use of a specialized UAS to control invasive perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) in Suisun Marsh in northern California, USA. This "spray drone" flew at an altitude of 2–3 m, a speed of 24 kmph, and applied herbicide with a swath width of 6 m. We applied herbicide with the spray drone to treat small patches before they expanded. To delineate invasive patch boundaries, we first flew a survey drone with a 4K resolution camera to detect emerging plants with color imagery and conduct an initial classification analysis. We subsequently visited areas with suspected invasive patches based on the classification, and observers manually confirmed the presence of the invasive species. We then flew the spray drone on transects to treat the patches and examined the results with post-treatment survey drone imagery and plots along ground transects. In total, we sprayed 14 ha of Lepidium across eight sites and found that 87% of the Lepidium was discernibly affected by our herbicide treatment. Furthermore, we measured the overspray, which was substantially less than that reported for other aerial application methods such as helicopter-spraying, and our estimated operational costs were lower. Our results indicated that applying remote-sensing imagery for the identification of invasive species patches and the use of a spray drone for treatment may be an effective means of controlling invasive plants with high precision at a reasonable cost. In the near future, a unified UAS system that both identifies invasive species and then treats them in a single pass should be a promising goal for early detection and rapid response in wetland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Plant nitrogen (N) acquisition via arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) serves as a dominant pathway in the N nutrition of many plants, but the functional impact of AMF in acquisition of N by wetland plants has not been well quantified. Subtropical lake–wetland ecosystems are characterized by seasonal changes in the water table and low N availability in soil. Yet, it is unclear whether and how AMF alters the N acquisition pattern of plants for various forms of N and how this process is influenced by soil water conditions. Methods We performed a pot study with Carex thunbergii that were either colonized by AMF or not colonized and also subjected to different water conditions. We used 15N labelling to track plant N uptake. Key Results Colonization by AMF had little effect on the biomass components of C. thunbergii but did significantly affect the plant functional traits and N acquisition in ways that were dependent on the soil water conditions. The N uptake rate of AMF-colonized plants was significantly lower than that of the non-colonized plants in conditions of low soil water. A decreased NO3− uptake rate in AMF-colonized plants reduced the N:P ratio of the plants. Although C. thunbergii predominantly took up N in the form of NO3−, higher water availability increased the proportion of N taken up as NH4+, irrespective of the inoculation status. Conclusions These results emphasize the importance of AMF colonization in controlling the N uptake strategies of plants and can improve predictions of N budget under the changing water table conditions in this subtropical wetland ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Caucasus, peat deposits exposed near Lake Sevan (Armenia) provide a Middle to Late Holocene record of lake level fluctuations. The Tsovinar-1 section at the southern shore of Lake Sevan in the Armenian Highlands reveals a well-dated and divers pollen and carpo-flora covering a time span from 6000 BC to 900 AD. The abundances of pollen of forest taxa in relation to steppe vegetation indicate climatic changes through time. In parallel, the presence and number of fossils of aquatic and wetland plants, both in micro and macro floras, provide information about the presence of water and allows estimating changes of water depth. Characteristic taxa pointing to deeper water at Tsovinar-1 are Myriophyllum sp., Ceratophyllum demersum , and several species of Potamogeton. In shallow water, Persicaria amphibia, Sparganium sp., and Typha sp. dominate. In fluctuating water and wetlands those plants are replaced by Menyanthes trifoliata, Ceratophyllum submersum, Alisma sp., and others. High lake levels can be inferred at 6000−5000 BC, 1700−900 BC and 200−900 AD and are associated with humid climate and the development of forest vegetation. Low lake levels occurred at 4000−2600 BC and 600 BC−100 AD corresponding to epochs of decreased humidity and expanded steppe vegetation. Macro and micro remains of plants from the Tsovinar-1 site serve as reliable sources of information for determining environmental changes over time, which are in accordance with archaeological data from the region showing the effects of lake level changes on human activities․ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Flooding duration and sediment texture were designed in the study to consider the response of hygrophilous plants to environmental dynamics, which involved three plant species commonly found in the Poyang Lake wetland. The results highlight that sediment texture plays a crucial role in the growth and adaptation of hygrophilous plants, although it exhibited a weaker effect than flooding duration. Additionally, sediment texture mediates flooding to affect plant stressing response and survival. Moreover, sediment texture forms interactive effects with flooding duration and has direct influences on hygrophilous plants. Our study helps provide theoretical insights from a more scientific perspective for the prediction of hygrophilous plant dynamics and to facilitate the formulation of wetland management. Flooding duration and sediment texture play vital roles in the growth and adaptation of wetland plants. However, there is a lack of research on the interactive effects of flooding duration and sediments on wetland plants. A two-factor experiment with flooding duration and sediment texture was designed in the study, involving three plant species commonly found in the Poyang Lake wetland (i.e., Carex cinerascens, Phalaris arundinacea, and Polygonum criopolitanum). Our findings were as follows: (i) Sediments play a crucial role in the growth and adaptation of hygrophilous plants, but they exhibited a weaker effect than flooding. (ii) Sediment texture mediates flooding to affect the stressing responses of wetland plant functional traits, including the leaf chlorophyll content, the plant height, and the number of leaves and ramets. (iii) Sediment texture forms interactive effects with flooding duration and directly influences hygrophilous plants. The results of this study help provide theoretical insights from a more scientific perspective for the prediction of hygrophilous plant dynamics and to facilitate the formulation of wetland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plants are ubiquitous features of many wetland systems, resulting in impacts that are extremely costly in both economic and ecological terms. Approximately twenty years ago, these impacts and many of the mechanisms underlying invasion were crystallized in a pair of now-classic review papers on the topic. These two contributions have guided substantial research efforts over the past two decades. Here, using a state-of-the-art review, we present an overview of research progress from the past 20 years and identify research priorities for the next 20 years. We structure these insights around key themes that emerge from those earlier reviews and emphasize ways wetland invasions might be distinguished from plant invasions in uplands. We first highlight research progress and priorities around the impacts of wetland plant invasions. We then do the same for seven broad mechanisms that have been postulated to enhance invasion success in wetlands. Invasive plants clearly impact wetlands across all levels of ecological organization and up to landscape scales, but generalizable conclusions are still lacking concerning what drives variation in impact magnitudes. One of the key mechanisms underlying invasion success reflects site-level variation in resource availability and, although we know that increased resources often lead to more opportunities for invasion, the role of discrete resource pulses and the way resource availability may interact with propagule pressure variability are poorly understood. Second, although release from natural enemies is a long-held potential driver of invasion success, recent insights support speculation that these effects may be especially pronounced in wetlands. Third, although most invasive wetland plants are considered good competitors, their simultaneous role as stress tolerators raises questions about whether expectations regarding life history tradeoffs may be less applicable for wetland invaders than for the upland species around which these theories were designed. Fourth, despite a keen understanding that wetland plant invaders are opportunistic, establishing quickly in response to disturbance, the central importance of seed and seedling traits has not been adequately studied to integrate life history theory across ontogenetic stages. Fifth, although many invasive wetland plants reproduce both sexually and asexually, the extent to which this mixed strategy contributes to their success as invaders has not been rigorously assessed. Sixth, despite observations that wetland invaders often exhibit a high degree of phenotypic variability, causal connections between the success of wetland invaders and either high population genetic diversity or high phenotypic plasticity have not been clearly established. Lastly, despite long-standing interests in whether interspecific hybridization contributes to wetland invader success, recent studies have highlighted evolutionary processes leading to variation in polyploidy and genome size as alternatives requiring additional study. We conclude with a vision for prioritizing wetland plant invasions research, presenting insights from this review aimed at inspiring future studies on remaining key uncertainties regarding the relative impacts of wetland vs. upland invaders and the relative importance of phenotypic plasticity, population genetic diversity, enemy release, and anthropogenic disturbances for influencing the success of invasive plants in wetland vs. upland systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the denitrification principle of the constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell system, the efficiency of purifying various types of wastewater（chromium containing wastewater, phenol containing wastewater, high-salinity wastewater, antibiotic wastewater and nitrogen containing wastewater, etc.）, and summarizes the research status of these kinds of wastewater treatment by the method of constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell, the factors affecting the treatment efficiency of constructed wetland-microbial fuel cells（hydraulic retention time, wetland plants and microorganisms, electrodes and temperature, etc.） are analyzed, and finally the characteristics of electricity production are analyzed in order to provide a reference for the application of constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell system in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragmentation caused by disturbance is frequent in wetlands and usually co‐occurs with increases in cadmium and nutrient availability. However, whether fragmentation can interact with nutrients and heavy metals to affect wetland invasive plants has been little studied. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to test the effects of fragmentation (initial fragment was non‐severed, was severed into two fragments, and three fragments), cadmium (low, medium, and high), and nutrient availability level (high and low) on the growth of a widespread, invasive clonal plant Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. Clonal fragmentation reduced the total mass, stolon mass, root mass, and total stolon length of A. philoxeroides and altered the biomass allocation. Increases in cadmium adversely affected the growth of A. philoxeroides. The high level of cadmium increased leaf mass ratio but decreased stolon mass ratio. Response of leaf mass ratio to fragmentation varied at different cadmium or nutrient availability levels. Fragmentation, cadmium, and nutrients had a significant interaction on leaf mass ratio. Our results suggest that fragmentation can adversely affect the growth of A. philoxeroides. The adverse effect of fragmentation was greater at high nutrient levels and high cadmium levels (0.4 and 2 mg L−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction-- Constructed Wetlands (CWs) are a recognized technology to treat industrial wastewater. Objective-- A pilot system of two horizontal subsurface flow CWs was used to remove Cr and Zn from industrial synthetic wastewater. Methodology-- The study was carried out at UA in Barranquilla, Colombia. Two containers of 0.375 m2 were filled with a gravel bed (~10 mm and 40% of porosity), and a 0.3 m water column. One container was planted with Cyperus odoratus L. and another without plants was used as a control. Results-- The removal efficiency of Cr and Zn was 93% and 96% in the CW planted, respectively, and 67% and 98% removal were obtained in the unplanted system with statistical differences (P< 0.05). The observed difference in biomass production (0.1 kg m2 and 0.6 kg/m2) could be related to seasonal weather that could have favored the growth of the plant. C. odoratus reached a Translocation Factor greater than 1.5 for Cr and Zn, which is greater than that, reported by others for Cyperus species. However, a Bioconcentration Factor > 13.6 for Zn and < 7.7 for Cr indicated that C. odoratus is an accumulator species for Cr and Zn. Sorption metal processes in gravel can be occurring due to the high removal efficiency of Zn in unplanted systems. Conclusions-- These results show that C. odoratus could be recommended for use in constructed wetlands technology due to fast-growing and absorption and translocation heavy metals capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common reed (Phragmites australis L.) is a highly productive wetland plant and a possible valuable resource of renewable biomass worldwide. For a sustainable management the exploitation of reed is beneficial because the increasing demand for sustainable biomass which presents reed bed areas and wetlands. Knowing the properties of plant biomass obtained from reeds is essential both for the effect on combustion equipment and for the impact on the environment. Brates Lake, situated in Galati, Romania is a natural watershed with reed plantations. Results: We used the convolutional neural network method combined with the cropped image techniques represent a powerful tool for high-precision image-based biomass detection in lake areas. The study aimed to investigate the morphological and chemical parameters through SEM–EDX analysis and pH, conductivity, nitrate anion, nitrite anion, total nitrogen, sulphate anion, sulphide anion, phosphate anion concentrations were determined from reed extract. The samples have a moderately acidic reaction pH 4.91–4.98. The number of soluble salts in the reed extract is in the range of 3.24–4.70 g/L, the values are within normal limits, providing the plant with the necessary nutrients. Conclusions: This is the first time that neural networks are used for the detection and prediction of areas at risk for biodiversity (reduction of water gloss until it disappears, imbalances caused by keeping reeds dry in water) caused by the aggressive and uncontrolled growth of reeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the scientific basis, the carbon sink estimation of wetland was summarized up, that is stock-difference method and gain–loss method as a fundamental approach. The major issues when those methods were applied in that estimation had been raised up for attention to be paid. Based upon the science achievements, the research approaches and policy foundation for market trading about the wetland carbon sink had been analyzed for that sink sustainability. It was concluded that the decomposition reduction of wetland plant material and rewetting and suitable restoration of wetland are essential for its sink conservation. Nowadays, China has already set the wetland conservation for its carbon sink sustainability as a part of the national goal in the carbon peaking road-map, further elaboration on the policymaking should be taken for the wetland sink conclusive into the voluntary market and as an offset of the partly compulsory reduction of emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland ecosystems are increasingly altered by anthropogenic activities, with upland plant encroachment as one possible outcome. Here, we present preliminary evidence that encroachment by herbaceous and woody upland species is ongoing in five small Afromontane wetlands straddling high elevations (~2600–3400 m a.s.l.) in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). Although encroachment seems to commence at wetland edges it reaches waterlogged soils at wetland centres. This evidence of the spread of upland plants in these wetlands should be followed by additional research efforts focused on possible causes and consequences of this encroachment as well as the exploration of potential management and mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland habitats in Bosnia and Herzegovina are usually small, fragmented and under numerous anthropogenic pressures. Therefore species confined to such habitats can be considered being among the most threatened plant species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus of this article is the distribution pattern and threatened status of five such plant species: Achillea ptarmica, Carex elongata, Carex strigosa, Comarum palustre and Prunus padus. While these taxa can be common in other parts of Europe, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they are rare and usually restricted to a small number of localities. Wetland flora can be found in the Dinaric mountains, where it is confined to the karst fields, mountain plateaus, spring areas and banks of glacial lakes, but as well in the lowlands in the north of the country, occupying the remnants of wetland habitats. Published, new and unpublished (herbarium) chorological data for Bosnia and Herzegovina, description of the habitat, population estimate, threats on habitats and species, and estimation of threatened status based on IUCN criteria are given for each studied species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Most Pseudomonas spp. are iron (Fe) redox cycling bacteria, which are common in the rhizosphere of wetland plants. The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of P. sp. SCSWA09, a Fe reducing bacterium isolated from mangrove plant Kandelia obovata, on the development of Fe plaques as well as the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals (HMs) in K. obovata. Methods: A controlled experiment was conducted in a climate chamber using K. obovata as model plants to evaluate the effect of P. sp. SCSWA09 on the development of Fe plaque and the plants' response to HM stress under periodic flooding conditions. Results: The results demonstrated that SCSWA09 had a clear capacity to reduce Fe (III). K. obovata seedlings inoculated with SCSWA09 showed considerably lower levels of Fe plaque production than uninoculated seedlings, notably the amorphous Fe plaque. Periodic flooding accelerated the transformation of amorphous Fe (hydrogen) oxide into crystalline Fe (hydrogen) oxide in Fe plaque, and SCSWA09 inoculation accelerated this process. The buildup of Cr and Cu in K. obovata roots steadily reduced as the flooding period rose, but SCSWA09 inoculation significantly increased Cr translocation to K. obovata leaves. Conclusion: Both SCSWA09 and periodic flooding enhanced the crystallinity of iron (hydr-) oxides in the treatment solution and Fe plaque, which influenced HM absorption and translocation in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upland swamps are peat‐accumulating, groundwater‐dependent and fire‐prone wetland ecosystems. Drying caused by anthropogenic processes such as underground mining, ditching and climate change may disrupt surface and groundwater flows and result in bottom‐up controls on wetland expression. Fire is an endogenous, recurring disturbance that drives a top‐down consumptive force in many upland swamp systems. When compounded with drying, fire may facilitate permanent community transitions. A dearth of ecological data and temporal lags have hampered our ability to predict risks associated with multiple disturbances in wetland plant communities.We collected intact wetland mesocosms from valley floors and lower slopes of four undisturbed swamp sites. We transferred the mesocosms to a glasshouse and established three different soil moisture availability levels to simulate wetland drainage. After 20 months of the hydrological treatment, we simulated a fire event by sequentially applying biomass removal (clipping), heat and smoke to half of the mesocosms. We monitored species biomass, richness and composition over a 3.5‐year time frame.We found evidence of a temporal lag in biomass response to low water availability and synergistic hydrological and fire effects on species richness. In unburnt conditions, richness declined with low water availability but was maintained under high and medium water availability. After simulated fire under medium water availability, however, richness also declined and converged with depauperate low‐water mesocosm richness. Representation by many obligate swamp species declined in low compared with high water availability mesocosms over time, an effect that was amplified by the fire treatment.Synthesis. Our evidence of lagged effects of hydrological change on wetland vegetation and compounding effects of fire should be considered in impact assessments, monitoring programs and ecosystem management to avoid irreversible wetland change in drying environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]