ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that plants have a significant effect on the microbial populations of constructed wetlands. The objectives of the research presented are to characterize the microbial populations under three vegetation regimes in a constructed wetland receiving domestic wastewater, and to assess the significant contribution of individual types of organisms to organic matter degradation. The constructed wetlands under study are located in eastern North Carolina near New Bern. The wetland cells were sampled on January 21, April 2, June 10, August 5, and October 8, 1991. Decomposition activities of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, as measured by their action on starch, cellulose, chitin, xylan and milk casein, were different among the several constructed wetland cells. Since most wastewater renovation in constructed wetlands is microbiologically mediated, it is important to understand the relationship of microorganisms to constructed wetland substrate types and vegetation.
