Abstract
Two artificial marsh/pond systems with a combined area of 21 ha were studied during a one-year period. Since their construction in 1978, volunteer plant colonization has resulted in a shifting mosaic of cattails (Typha spp.), water pennywort (Hydrocotlye umbellata), frog’s-bit (Limnobium spongia), duckweed (Lemna spp.), and other less abundant species. At least 45 bird species were observed to use the wetlands during this study with very dense populations noted for several wetland-dependent species. Alligators, fish, turtles, and snakes were abundant in the ponds. The ponds operate as flow-through systems, receiving an average treated wastewater application of 4.8 cm per week. Mass balances indicated significant percent removals for biochemical oxygen demand (82%), total suspended solids (80%), and total nitrogen (93%). Removal of total phosphorus was lower, averaging 31% over the one year study.
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Knight, R.L., Winchester, B.H. & Higman, J.C. Ecology, hydrology, and advanced wastewater treatment potential of an artificial wetland in North-central, Florida. Wetlands 5, 167–180 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03160795
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03160795