Resource recovery and freshwater ecosystem restoration – prospecting for phytoremediation potential in wild macrophyte stands

The primary aim of this study was to understand the factors, e.g., harvest frequency and plant community type, that can facilitate optimising phytoextraction in wild macrophyte communities as part a strategy for water-quality improvement resource recovery. This achieved by surveying quantifying standing stocks key nutrient pollutants such N P, range other recoverable macro micro-nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Na Cr). By scaling-up pollutant export potential over decade, it determined which types provide greatest levels export. Grime’s CSR framework used categorise each surveyed community, where large-statured, higher biomass producing competitor stress tolerator-type were compared with ruderal-type have rapid growth high acquisition but smaller statures. High containing or tolerator species, produce greater macronutrients (such P) harvesting, while yields micronutrient-type are more likely be influenced specific physiological traits determine leaf tissue concentration. Utilising regime multi-year time scale suggested small fast-growing ruderals could yield 4–6 times concentration micronutrients tolerator-dominated P from 25 g/m2 versus 5 competitor/stress communities. These results emphasise need consider both harvesting when using management tool. We anticipate these will help guide environmental managers their approach developing circular economy schemes improve water quality through