The effects of ammonium nitrogen enrichment on mosquito production and Schoenoplectus maritimus, an alternative macrophyte for use in constructed treatment wetlands

The majority of emergent macrophytes that are currently utilized in wastewater treatment wetlands grow very tall (>3m) and dense directly interfering with mosquito management tactics by forming a physical barrier to mosquiotcides and likely reducing the efficacy of mosquito predators. Management costs of these large macrophytes are high. Alkali bulrush (Schoenoplectus maritimus) has a short growth habit (~1m tall) and attributes that are expected to reduce the cost of management. This bulrush species is being considered as an alternative emergent macrophyte for use in constructed wetlands. In experimental microcosms, we tested the survival, nutrient uptake and growth characteristics of this species across a gradient of nitrogen enrichment including the high ammonium nitrogen regimes typical of constructed wetlands. In addition, production of mosquitoes and other macroinvertebrates were assessed. Results of this experiment will be presented and discussed in this paper.