Final Report: Research and Survey Projects as Required by Federal Aid in WildlifeRestoration Act, Missouri. Federal Aid Project No. W-13-R-53 (1999). Study No. 3: Baseline Characteristics of Soils at the Eagle Bluffs Wildlife Area Prior to Effluent Use. J

摘要

Consideration for using wastewater effluent as a water source for wetlandrestoration or development has increased. Wastewater effluent has the potential to provide a year-round source of water and usually is an inexpensive alternative to pumping fresh water. However, the effects of wastewater effluent on native vegetation in seasonal wetlands are poorly understood. In this study, the effects of wastewater effluent on native vegetation were assessed in a series of greenhouse experiments. Two soils of different textures were excavated from the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area and placed into 91X 61 X 20 cm plastic containers. Containers were watered with either wastewater effluent from Columbia's water treatment facilities, Missouri River water, or deionized water. Vegetative biomass, density, and composition were measured for each treatment combination of soil texture and water source. Native vegetation were allowed to mature, then harvested and segmented into roots/rhizomes, stems/leaves, and inflorescence for biomass measurements. Plant density was determined for each genera and vegetation composition was identified to genus or species and analyzed by class (monocots or dicots). The results indicate that vegetation biomass, density, and species diversity were significantly reduced in the wastewater effluent treatments compared to the river and deionized water treatments.