Evaluation of the importance of bacteria in vertical flow microcosms using streptomycin sulfate as the bactericide

The importance of bacteria in microbial communities of vertical flow microcosms was investigated using streptomycin sulfate as the bactericide. The bacterial loss reduced significantly total carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents enriched in substrate microorganisms (P 0.05). In addition, the bacterial loss reduced the microbial utilization of both amines/amides and amino acid groups in Ecoplates (P 0.05). Meanwhile, a decreased removal of NH4 + –N or NO3 – –N in wastewater due to the bacterial loss was observed as well (P < 0.05). The current study highlighted the importance of bacteria in both transformations and removals of nitrogen compounds in constructed wetlands.