Why Are Aquatic Plants Used in Water Purification?

Aquatic plants are frequently used in aquaculture to purify freshwater ecosystems. Plants play an integral role in the overall health of aquariums, ornamental ponds, wetlands or natural aquatic ecosystems.

  1. Nitrogen Reduction

    • Almost all aquatic plants remove nitrates--nutrients associated with waste and decay--from the water. This can prevent the overgrowth of nitrate-loving algae blooms.

    Oxygen Supply

    • Plants produce oxygen as a natural by-product of photosynthesis. A steady oxygen supply is crucial for the survival of aquatic fish and invertebrates.

    Ammonia Reduction

    • Many aquatic plants help to absorb dissolved ammonia from water.

    Heavy Metals

    • Some wetland-dwelling plants, including cattails and bulrushes, may be capable of removing heavy metals from water. To prevent recontamination, mature plants must be removed and placed in toxic-waste landfills.

    Potential

    • In the future, aquatic plants may be used more extensively in municipal water purification. They provide one of the only reliable methods for removing nitrogen-based pollutants from waste water.