Revealing the Size Effect Mechanisms of Micro(nano)plastics on Nitrogen Removal Performance of Constructed Wetland

Abstract

Micro(nano)plastics (MPs) in aquatic environments can disrupt wastewater treatment, particularly nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands (CWs). However, their broader effects on microbial and plant nitrogen metabolism remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of different-sized MPs (4 mm, 100 μm, and 100 nm) on nitrogen transformation in CWs. Results revealed that 4 mm- and 100 μm-MPs did not significantly affect total nitrogen (TN) removal, although 100 μm-MPs significantly increased leaf antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced plant uptake of nitrogen by 12.95% (p < 0.05). In contrast, 100 nm-MPs decreased the TN removal efficiency by 7.97% via inhibiting both nitrification and denitrification, since 100 nm-MPs penetrated cell membranes, disrupted reactive oxygen species balance, and reduced bacterial viability, thus suppressing microbial nitrogen degradation by 8.07% (p < 0.05). Additionally, 100 nm-MPs significantly inhibited plant growth and reduced plant nitrogen uptake by 16.05% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 100 μm-MPs increased the abundance of nitrifiers but reduced denitrifiers and functional genes, whereas 100 nm-MPs reduced the abundance of both nitrifiers and denitrifiers along with their functional genes (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the need to improve waste management to mitigate the adverse effects of MPs on nitrogen removal.