Substrate microbiology of experimental constructed wetlands

The study investigated the influence of polyester and polyethylene on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) augmented constructed wetland columns. The study found differences in the microbial community of AMF-inoculated wetlands and controls and differences between microplastic-treated wetlands. High concentrations of polyester microfibers significantly altered the microbial community, increasing AMF colonization frequency and microbial richness, decreasing evenness and the abundance of denitrifying genera, and creating distinct clusters in beta diversity analysis. AMF inoculation maintained higher species richness and evenness, contributing to the resilience of CWs to microplastic pollution. Overall, AMF-inoculated wetlands and plants showed superior treatment performance, highlighting the successful bio-augmentation potential of this approach.