Author(s)

C. Forni, M.A. Nicolai & M.G.D'Egidio

Abstract

Potential of the small aquatic plants Azolla and Lemna for nitrogenous compounds removal from wastewater C. Forni' , M.A. Nicolai', M.G. D' * Biology Department, University of Rome "Tor Vergata ", Italy ^ Experimental Institute for Cereal Research, Italy Abstract The use of Azolla and Lemna in wastewater treatments has been suggested because of various advantages, such as high growth rates. The present research was carried out to analyse the performance of Azolla filiculoides Lam. and Lemna minor L. for nitrogen removal from growth media containing high amounts of different nitrogenous compounds. Two weeks experiments were undertaken outdoor. Control plants were grown in N-free Hoagland medium (Azolld) and in the same medium added with 200 ppm of KNOs (Lemnd), whereas the treated plants were grown in Hoagland medium containing 600 ppm respectively ofKNOg, or NH^Cl or NHjNOs. Both species had similar growth rates in all media, but in ammonia medium it was lower than in the other

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