The role of rhizofiltration and allelopathy on the removal of cyanobacteria in a continuous flow system

A continuous flow filtration system was designed to identify and quantify the removal mechanisms of Cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) by hydroponic biofilters Phalaris arundinacea compared synthetic filters. The units were continuously fed under plug-flow conditions with Microcystis grown in photobioreactors. cells decreased at two rates studied (1.2 ± 0.2 54 ± 3 cm3 minˉ1) results suggested physical chemical/biological involved. Physical interception deposition main mechanism packing density media driving extent cell high flow, whilst involved low flow. At numbers 70% controls. decrease accompanied a chlorotic process (loss green colour), suggesting oxidative processes release allelochemicals from biofilters.