The ability of Typha latifolia L. to accumulate nutrients from rural ponds

Eutrophication of small ponds poses an important problem in rural areas as there is an increased risk of nutrient inflow. The accumulation properties of some macrophytes create an opportunity to limit the outflow of waste from agricultural activities to the catchment area. The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of Typha latifolia, which by collecting and accumulating N, P, K, Mg and Ca can improve water quality. The research covered 10 ponds located in northern Poland. The obtained test results indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the water ponds in the content of P and Mg in rhizomes and roots and Mg in the leaves of T. latifolia. The lack of statistically significant differences in the case of N, K and Ca indicates a strong impact of species characteristics on the accumulation capacity of this macrophyte in relation to nitrogen, potassium, and calcium. It was found that the accumulation capacity of T. latifolia significantly shaped the content of organic matter in bottom sediments and their pH. The accumulation properties of T. latifolia differed between groups A and B, with organic matter content ranging from 28.1% to 37.9% (group A) and from 4.6% to 16.3% (group B). The reaction of bottom sediments significantly influenced the content of Mg and Ca in leaves (group A) and the content of P (in leaves, rhizomes and roots), K (in leaves and rhizomes) and Ca (in leaves, rhizomes and roots) in group B water ponds. This variation confirms that the accumulation capacity of T. latifolia, dependent on the species and modified by the physicochemical properties of bottom sediments, significantly limit the outflow of nutrients to the catchment.