RESUMO

The aim of this 2-year study was to evaluate the influence of bed depth (40 and 60 cm) on the development of tropical ornamental species (Alpinia purpurata, Heliconia latispatha and Strelitzia reginae) and on the removal of different contaminants such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate (N-NO3), ammonium (N-NH4), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total suspended solids (TSS), total coliforms (TCs) and fecal coliforms (FCs), in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) for municipal wastewater treatment. The results showed that the depth of 60 cm favored the removal of COD, with removal efficiencies of 94% for the three plant species. The depth of 40 cm was most effective for the removal of N-NH4 (80-90%). Regarding the removal of TN, the removals were similar for the different plants and depths (72-86%). The systems only achieved up to 60% removal of TCs and FCs. The depth of the CWs substrate and its saturation level influenced the development of ornamental vegetation, particularly flower production. For Heliconia latispatha, a bed depth level of 60 cm was more suitable, while for Alpinia purpurata 40 cm was better, and for Strelitzia reginae in both cases there was no flower production. The impact of bed depth on contaminant removal depends on the specific type of contaminant.

RESUMO

Some types of plant accumulate liquid in their inflorescences creating phytotelmata. These environments protect the flowers against florivory, although they may be colonized by aquatic or semi-aquatic florivorous insect larvae, whose effects on the fitness of the plants remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis of floral antagonism by the occupants of phytotelmata, which predicts that florivory by the occupants of the phytotelmata represents a cost to the female fitness of the plant, reducing its fecundity. We manipulated experimentally the infestation by 3 florivores larvae species occupants of phytotelmata in inflorescences of Heliconia spathocircinata (Heliconiaceae) to test for negative direct trophic effects on the fecundity of the flowering and fruiting bracts. We found that the foraging of the hoverfly (Syrphidae) and moth (Lepidoptera) larvae in the inflorescences contributed to a decline in the fecundity of the plant. While the lepidopteran impacted fecundity when foraging in both flowering and fruiting bracts, the syrphid only affected the fruiting bracts, which indicates that the nectar and floral tissue are the principal resource exploited by the hoverfly. By contrast, soldier fly (Stratiomyidae) had a neutral effect on fecundity, while foraging in flowering or fruiting bracts. These findings corroborate our hypothesis, that herbivory by the larval occupants represents cost to the host plant having phytotelmata. The negative influence of this foraging on plant fecundity will nevertheless depend on the consequences of the exploitation of resources, which vary considerably in ephemeral habitats such as the phytotalmanta of flower parts.

RESUMO

One of the key challenges in landfill leachate treatment is removing organic matter (OM) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) at a low cost. To evaluate the feasibility of treatment wetlands for diluted (3:10) landfill leachate treatment with OM and NH4+-N oxidation, a lab-scale shallow subsurface horizontal flow system (HF wetland) comprised of two units operated in series was assessed as post-treatment of partial ammonia stripping system. A HF wetland planted with Heliconia psittacorum (HP) and an unplanted HF wetland (control) were supplemented with micronutrients and monitored under the influence of hydraulic retention time (HRT), pH, and the plant presence on performance. With an HRT above 4 days, mean chemical oxygen demand removal for both HP and the control was less than 20%, without complete mineralization, probably due to the recalcitrance of OM. For NH4+-N, the mean global removal efficiencies with and without influent pH adjustment were, respectively, 74% and 54% for HP and 56% and 43% for the control, resulting in mean concentrations between 36 and 93 mg L-1. The NH4+-N removal was correlated with inorganic carbon consumption followed by NO3- production, which suggests that nitrification was the major route of removal. For both systems, nitrification was significantly higher in one of the units, when biodegradable OM was already consumed and competition between heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria for dissolved oxygen was likely minimized. By balancing the organic load and availability of dissolved oxygen within each unit in series, a reduced HRT necessary for NH4+-N oxidation was achieved, an essential aspect for the design of high performance constructed wetlands for full scale landfill leachate treatment.

RESUMO

RESUMEN Los humedales construidos en los últimos años han sido ampliamente usados en la depuración de una gran variedad de aguas residuales, por ser una alternativa que ofrece múltiples ventajas, en comparación con otros sistemas de tratamiento. Este estudio evaluó la eficiencia de seis sistemas de humedales, construidos de flujo subsuperficial horizontal (HCFSSH), a escala piloto, para la remoción de materia orgánica (DQO), nutrientes (N-NO3-, P-PO43-) y plomo (Pb+2), además de la incidencia del tiempo de operación sobre la conductividad hidráulica (Ks) para tratar lixiviados del Relleno Sanitario "El Ojito", del municipio de Popayán, Cauca. Tres humedales fueron plantados con Heliconia psittacorum (HCFSSH-H. p) y tres con Cyperus haspan (HCFSSH-C. h); el medio de soporte utilizado fue grava, operados con un caudal de 0.012m3/día y un tiempo de retención hidráulico de 4 días; las unidades recibieron efluente de una laguna de oxidación. Los resultados mostraron remociones medias de: DQO (51,67 y 64,00%), N-NO3- (45,33 y 48,17%), P-PO43- (53,67 y 62,67%) y Pb+2 (5,74 y 14,75%) para los HCFSSH-H. p y HCFSSH-C. h, respectivamente y valores de conductividad hidráulica, entre 700 y 1000m/día. El sistema de humedales mostró ser eficiente para el tratamiento secundario de lixiviado de rellenos sanitarios maduros, obteniendo eficiencias de remoción, significativamente mayores, en los HCFSSH-C.h.

ABSTRACT In recent years, constructed wetlands have been widely used for the purification of wastewater, representing an alternative method that offers multiple advantages when compared to other treatment systems. The present study assessed the efficiency of six horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSFCW) at pilot scale for the removal of organic matter (COD), nutrients (N-NO3-, P-PO43-) and lead (Pb2+). The study also looked at the operating time on hydraulic conductivity (Ks) to treat leachate from the "El Ojito" Sanitary Landfill in the municipality of Popayán, Cauca. Three wetlands were planted with Heliconia psittacorum (HSSFCW-H. p), and three with Cyperus haspan (HSSFCW-C. h). The support medium used was gravel. They were operated at a flow of 0.012m3/day, and a hydraulic retention time of 4 days. The units received effluent from the oxidation pond. The results showed mean removals of COD (51.67 and 64.00%), N-NO3- (45.33 and 48.17%), P-PO43- (53.67 and 62.67%) and Pb+2 (5.74 and 14.75%) for HSSFCW-H. p and HSSFCW-C. h respectively. Hydraulic conductivity values were between 700 and 1000m/day. The wetland system proved to be efficient for the secondary treatment of leachate from mature landfills, obtaining removal efficiencies significantly higher in HSSFCW-C. h.

RESUMO

Heliconia berguidoi (Heliconiaceae), a new species from premontane forest of eastern Panama, is described, illustrated and its conservation status evaluated. Heliconia berguidoi bears pink flowers, an uncommon color in this group. It differs from the Colombian species Heliconia rhodantha and Heliconia sanctae-theresae, the most similar taxa, by the combination of a petiole glabrous except for the woolly base, a very long peduncle, the perianth pubescent at the apex and staminode with cuspidate apex. Heliconia berguidoi is also similar to Heliconia pogonantha in all four of its varieties and to Heliconia ramonensis in two of its four varieties, but differs by a combination of the long peduncle, pink flowers and staminode with cuspidate apex. Fifty-six Heliconia species have been found in Panama, eighteen of them endemic.

ResumenHeliconia berguidoi (Heliconiaceae), una nueva especie de bosque premontano del este de Panamá, es descrita, ilustrada y su estado de conservación evaluado. Heliconia berguidoi tiene flores rosadas, color poco común en este grupo. Difiere de las especies de Colombia Heliconia rhodantha y Heliconia sanctae-theresae, taxones más similares, por la combinación de un pecíolo glabro aunque lanudo en la base, pedúnculo muy largo, ápice del perianto pubescente y estaminoide con el ápice cuspidado. Heliconia berguidoi es también similar a Heliconia pogonantha en sus cuatro variedades y a Heliconia ramonensis en dos de sus cuatro variedades, pero difiere por la combinación de su largo pedúnculo, el color rosado de las flores y el estaminoide con ápice cuspidado. En Panamá se han encontrado cincuenta y seis especies de Heliconia, dieciocho de ellas endémicas.

RESUMO

The use of shading screens of different colors can change the spectral quality of radiation and, as a consequence, the growth and production of crop plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the growth, yield, and quality of floral stems of Heliconia psittacorum × H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch grown under different light conditions. The treatments consisted of four conditions: blue photoconversion screens (35%-40%); red photoconversion screens (18%-21%); black shading screens (45%-49%), and full sunlight. The experiment consisted of two parts. In the first, growth was assessed, whereas in the second, aspects related to the production and quality of floral stems were examined. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with split plots in time. Each plot contained six blocks, with 11 replications per block, giving a total of 66 pots per plot. The evaluations were performed at 30- day intervals over a 6-month period. In the analysis of growth, red screens contributed to the growth of the plants, increasing the number of shoots and leaves, and also plant height. The productivity and quality of floral stems was, however, highest in plants grown under blue and black screens. It can be concluded that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, the use of blue screens (35%-40%) and black screens (45%-49%) is suitable for production of the floral stems of ‘Golden Torch heliconia.(AU)

O uso de malhas de sombreamento de diferentes cores pode alterar a qualidade espectral da radiação e, como consequência, o crescimento e a produção de uma cultura vegetal. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar aspectos do crescimento, produção e qualidade das hastes florais de Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch cultivadas sob diferentes condições de luminosidade. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro ambientes: malha fotoconversora azul (35-40%); malha fotoconversora vermelha (18-21%); malha de sombreamento preta (45-49%) e pleno sol. O experimento constou de duas partes: na primeira realizaram-se avaliações de crescimento e na segunda, foram estudados aspectos relacionados à produção e qualidade das hastes florais. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, sendo seis blocos por parcela, cada bloco com onze repetições, totalizando sessenta e seis vasos por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas durante seis meses, com intervalos de trinta dias. Nas análises de crescimento observou-se que a malha vermelha contribuiu com o crescimento das plantas, incrementando o número de perfilhos, folhas e altura das plantas. A produtividade e a qualidade das hastes florais foi superior em plantas cultivadas sob tela azul e preta. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais estabelecidas, o uso das malhas azul (35-40%) e preta (45-49%) é indicado para a produção de hastes florais de Heliconia ‘Golden Torch.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study assessed the treatment of domestic wastewater to find the optimum vertical flow-constructed wetland (VFCW) configuration under tropical conditions. Eight pilot-scale configurations units were studied to compare between fine sand and medium gravel used as substrate, two feeding frequencies (20 pulses d-1 and 10 pulses d-1), and the presence or absence of tropical plants (Heliconia psittacorum). The results showed that the sand beds were significantly more efficient in the removal of organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, and total suspended solids than gravel beds, presenting average removal rates of 48 and 24 g m-2 d-1 of COD; 35 and 16 g m-2 d-1 of BOD5; 7 and 4 g m-2 d-1 of [Formula: see text]; 9 and 0 g m-2 d-1 for sand and gravel, respectively. The oxygen consumption rates were calculated and a value of 65 g m-2 d-1 was obtained for sand beds while for the gravel beds the consumption rate was 30 g m-2 d-1. The assessment of different kinds of nitrogen showed interesting dynamics in the nitrification processes. The presence of H. psittacorum showed positive effects in the total nitrogen (TN) removal. The different loading frequencies applied did not show significant statistical differences in the removal of the tested contaminants. Preliminary results were found in the pathogen removal, where the sand is favorable as the substrate. This work represents the first step in the research of optimum VFWC design and operation parameters for Colombia as well as the use of plants of the genus Heliconia.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The use of shading screens of different colors can change the spectral quality of radiation and, as a consequence, the growth and production of crop plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the growth, yield, and quality of floral stems of Heliconia psittacorum × H. spathocircinata Golden Torch grown under different light conditions. The treatments consisted of four conditions: blue photoconversion screens (35%-40%); red photoconversion screens (18%-21%); black shading screens (45%-49%), and full sunlight. The experiment consisted of two parts. In the first, growth was assessed, whereas in the second, aspects related to the production and quality of floral stems were examined. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with split plots in time. Each plot contained six blocks, with 11 replications per block, giving a total of 66 pots per plot. The evaluations were performed at 30-day intervals over a 6-month period. In the analysis of growth, red screens contributed to the growth of the plants, increasing the number of shoots and leaves, and also plant height. The productivity and quality of floral stems was, however, highest in plants grown under blue and black screens. It can be concluded that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, the use of blue screens (35%-40%) and black screens (45%-49%) is suitable for production of the floral stems of Go

O uso de malhas de sombreamento de diferentes cores pode alterar a qualidade espectral da radiação e, como consequência, o crescimento e a produção de uma cultura vegetal. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar aspectos do crescimento, produção e qualidade das hastes florais de Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata Golden Torch cultivadas sob diferentes condições de luminosidade. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro ambientes: malha fotoconversora azul (35-40%); malha fotoconversora vermelha (18-21%); malha de sombreamento preta (45-49%) e pleno sol. O experimento constou de duas partes: na primeira realizaram-se avaliações de crescimento e na segunda, foram estudados aspectos relacionados à produção e qualidade das hastes florais. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, sendo seis blocos por parcela, cada bloco com onze repetições, totalizando sessenta e seis vasos por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas durante seis meses, com intervalos de trinta dias. Nas análises de crescimento observou-se que a malha vermelha contribuiu com o crescimento das plantas, incrementando o número de perfilhos, folhas e altura das plantas. A produtividade e a qualidade das hastes florais foi superior em plantas cultivadas sob tela azul e preta. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais estabelecidas, o uso

RESUMO

The use of shading screens of different colors can change the spectral quality of radiation and, as a consequence, the growth and production of crop plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the growth, yield, and quality of floral stems of Heliconia psittacorum × H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch’ grown under different light conditions. The treatments consisted of four conditions: blue photoconversion screens (35%-40%); red photoconversion screens (18%-21%); black shading screens (45%-49%), and full sunlight. The experiment consisted of two parts. In the first, growth was assessed, whereas in the second, aspects related to the production and quality of floral stems were examined. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with split plots in time. Each plot contained six blocks, with 11 replications per block, giving a total of 66 pots per plot. The evaluations were performed at 30- day intervals over a 6-month period. In the analysis of growth, red screens contributed to the growth of the plants, increasing the number of shoots and leaves, and also plant height. The productivity and quality of floral stems was, however, highest in plants grown under blue and black screens. It can be concluded that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, the use of blue screens (35%-40%) and black screens (45%-49%) is suitable for production of the floral stems of ‘Golden Torch’ heliconia.

O uso de malhas de sombreamento de diferentes cores pode alterar a qualidade espectral da radiação e, como consequência, o crescimento e a produção de uma cultura vegetal. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar aspectos do crescimento, produção e qualidade das hastes florais de Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch’ cultivadas sob diferentes condições de luminosidade. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro ambientes: malha fotoconversora azul (35-40%); malha fotoconversora vermelha (18-21%); malha de sombreamento preta (45-49%) e pleno sol. O experimento constou de duas partes: na primeira realizaram-se avaliações de crescimento e na segunda, foram estudados aspectos relacionados à produção e qualidade das hastes florais. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, sendo seis blocos por parcela, cada bloco com onze repetições, totalizando sessenta e seis vasos por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas durante seis meses, com intervalos de trinta dias. Nas análises de crescimento observou-se que a malha vermelha contribuiu com o crescimento das plantas, incrementando o número de perfilhos, folhas e altura das plantas. A produtividade e a qualidade das hastes florais foi superior em plantas cultivadas sob tela azul e preta. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais estabelecidas, o uso das malhas azul (35-40%) e preta (45-49%) é indicado para a produção de hastes florais de Heliconia ‘Golden Torch’.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The occurrence of Myxomycetes in Heliconia psittacorum L.f. inflorescences was researched within four conservation units located in Northeast Brazil, aiming at evaluating the occupation of this microhabitat in fragments of Atlantic Forest along an altitude between 30-750 m. Inflorescences attached to the plant were examined; dead flowers and bracts were collected to assemble moist chambers (368). Four families, four genera and 10 species were recorded. A preference was evidenced for a basic pH substrate and a predominance of calcareous species (5:1). The composition of the myxobiota in fragments pertaining to altitudes above 400 m was similar and differed significantly from the one found in fragments of lowland forests (<100 m). Physarum compressum and Arcyria cinerea are the most characteristic species of the studied myxobiota.(AU)

A ocorrência de mixomicetos em inflorescências de Heliconia psittacorum L.f. foi pesquisada em quatro unidades de conservação situadas no Nordeste do Brasil, visando avaliar a ocupação deste microhabitat em fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica, numa faixa altitudinal de 30-750 m. Foram examinadas partes mortas de inflorescências ainda presas à planta; flores e brácteas mortas foram colhidas para montagem de câmaras-úmidas (368). Foram registrados quatro famílias, quatro gêneros e 10 espécies. Evidenciou-se preferência para substrato com pH básico e predominância de espécies calcárias (5:1). A composição da mixobiota nos fragmentos de altitudes acima de 400 m foi semelhante e diferiu significativamente da encontrada nos fragmentos de florestas de terras baixas (<100 m). Physarum compressum e Arcyria cinerea são as espécies mais características da mixobiota estudada.(AU)

Assuntos