Phosphorus removal from irrigation return flow using an iron oxide filter and denitrifying pine bark bioreactor treatment train.

Development of low-cost aqueous P removal methods is imperative for water resource protection. This study assessed the contribution of an iron oxide (FeOx) filter for P sorption paired with a denitrifying pine bark bioreactor, quantifying the effect of treatment order on P removal. FeOx filters were placed upstream (order 1) or downstream (order 2) of pine bark bioreactors receiving a continuous flow of simulated irrigation return flow after constructed floating wetland treatment.

Degradation of bio-based and biodegradable plastics in a salt marsh habitat: Another potential source of microplastics in coastal waters.

Degradation of bio-based (polylactic acid [PLA] cups, Mater-Bi® [MB] bags) and biodegradable plastics (biodegradable extruded polystyrene [bioPS] plates, biodegradable high density polyethylene [bioHDPE] bags) were compared to conventional plastics (recycled polyethylene terephthalate [rPET] cups, HDPE bags, extruded PS plates) in a salt marsh over a 32-week period. Following 4 weeks, biofilm developed on all plastics, resulting in an increased weight and concomitant decrease in UV transmission for most plastics. All plastics produced microplastic particles beginning at 4 weeks, with single-use bags producing the most microplastics over the 32-week period.