Denitrification within the sediments and epiphyton of tropical macrophyte stands

Excess nitrogen (N) is one of the most widespread and serious pollutants in environment, but wetlands can reduce N loads, ameliorating its damaging effects downstream. Tropical are highly productive experience high temperatures year-round, resulting potentially denitrification rates. However, few measurements have been reported for tropical wetlands. In this study, we measured within stands macrophytes at edge a lake (900 m length, 4 deep) Australia. We compared rates among sediments under emergent grass (giant bulrush, Actinoscirpus grossus), floating waterlilies (Nymphae spp.), from deeper sections lagoon with no macrophytes. also primary productivity epiphyton on those sediment. Denitrification sediment was higher (Dt = 3.3–52 mg m−2 h−1) than 1.9–3.6 mostly coupled nitrification (Dn). highest rich organic carbon (32.3%) (1.4%), during times year when nitrates (NOx−-N NO2−-N + NO3−-N) concentrations were relatively (>0.10 L−1). lowest macrophytes, which comprised area. these macrophyte values natural highlight potential role process pollution catchments.