Efficiency of saprolite for removing E. coli from simulated wastewater.

Saprolite, weathered bedrock, is being used to dispose of domestic sewage through septic system drainfields, but its ability to remove coliforms is unknown. This study determined if Escherichia coli could be removed by a sandy loam saprolite material. Triplicate columns containing saprolite were prepared with lengths of 30, 45, and 60 cm. A 215-mL solution containing 1 × 105 CFU/100 mL of non-toxic E. coli was applied to the top of each column for 5 days/week for 13 weeks, and selected outflow samples were analyzed for E. coli. Control columns had only tap water applied to them at the same time. Significantly higher (p ≤ 0.10 compared to controls) E. coli concentrations were only detected in samples collected at the end of week 3 for the 30-cm columns and week 4 for the 45-cm columns. E. coli concentrations were small and ranged from approximately 2 to 3 MPN/100 mL. No E. coli were detected in any outflow from the 60-cm columns. From weeks 5 to 13, E. coli concentrations from all columns were either undetectable or not significantly different from the control. The results showed that 60 cm of sandy loam saprolite was sufficient for the removal of E. coli from simulated wastewater.

Evaluating responses of four wetland plant species to different hydroperiods.

Previous work has estimated the hydroperiod requirements (saturation duration and frequency) of wetland plant communities by modeling their hydrologic regimes in natural (never drained) wetlands for a 40-yr period. This study tested the modeled predictions in a controlled greenhouse study using tree species representing three of the plant communities plus an additional species from another community. Bald cypress ( L. Rich.), sweet bay ( L.), pond pine ( Michx.), and swamp chestnut oak ( Nutt.) were grown under three hydroperiods (continuously ponded for 100 d, intermittently ponded for 14 d, and unsaturated) in loamy sand and sapric (organic) materials. Bald cypress (representing a Nonriverine Swamp Forest community) adapted well to 100 d of ponding by producing lateral roots near the soil surface and aerenchyma tissue in roots and stem. Sweet bay (Bay Forest community) also adapted well to 100 d of ponding by producing adventitious roots on the submerged portion of the stem. Pond pine (Pond Pine Woodland) and swamp chestnut oak (Nonriverine Wet Hardwood Forest) were intolerant of 100 d of ponded conditions. Seventy-five percent of the pond pine seedlings and 87% of the swamp chestnut oak seedlings died in the continuously ponded treatment level, whereas 100% of the bald cypress and 88% of the sweet bay seedlings survived. Results from this study suggest that modeled long-term hydroperiods of natural wetland plant communities can be used for restoration of these communities.