Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in constructed wetlands with different substrates: Effects on the phytoremediation of ibuprofen and diclofenac.

This study investigated the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) for the removal of ibuprofen (IBU) and diclofenac (DCF) in constructed wetlands (CWs) with four different substrates. Results showed that AMF colonization in adsorptive substrate (perlite, vermiculite, and biochar) systems was higher than that in sand systems. AMF enhanced the tolerance of Glyceria maxima to the stress of IBU and DCF by promoting the activities of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and the contents of soluble protein, while decreasing the contents of malondialdehyde and O. The removal efficiencies of IBU and DCF were increased by 15%-18% and 25%-38% in adsorptive substrate systems compare to sand systems. Adsorptive substrates enhanced the accumulation of IBU and DCF in the rhizosphere and promoted the uptake of IBU and DCF by plant roots. AMF promoted the removal of IBU and DCF in sand systems but limited their reduction in adsorptive substrate systems. In all scenarios, the presence of AMF decreased the contents of CECs metabolites (2-OH IBU, CA IBU, and 4'-OH IBU) in the effluents and promoted the uptake of IBU by plant roots. Therefore, these results indicated that the addition of adsorptive substrates could enhance the removal of IBU and DCF in CWs. The role of AMF on the removal of IBU and DCF was influenced by CW substrate. These may provide useful information for the application of AMF in CWs to remove contaminants of emerging concern.