Giddy up! Please review Objectives #8-16 for today’s quiz!

Differences? “river” vs. “wetland”

Legal definition of a “wetland” Wet soils Anaerobic – lack oxygen; grey in color Water loving plants Chordgrass Bladderwart Sedges, rushes, reeds Hydrology Standing water at least two weeks of the year

Floating water plants

Emergent water plants

Wetland ecosystem services Soak up flood waters Nursery for fish, shrimp, crabs Rest stops for migratory birds Highly productive ecosystems – food! (rice) Protection from erosion during storms Recreational opportunities

Half of the original wetlands have been destroyed!

Threats to wetlands Historically, they were considered “wastelands” Urban development Agriculture

But! We can bring them back! Restoration projects in our area.

Wetlands remove water pollutants Sediment Oxygen demanding wastes Acids Plant nutrients (nitrates/phosphates)

Constructed wetlands can be used to clean water

Constructed wetlands for sewage treatment

Wastewater is initially treated in an underground primary and secondary treatment system (SANTEC Model SC- 26K) before being pumped to the tertiary system. Eight of the treatment cells were planted with a variety of broad- and narrow-leaved emergent plants, and six of the cells were planted with three species of woody plants. Capacity of the system in 1994 was 6,800 galloons per day and, when plants matured, final capacity was 13,800 gallons per day.