Ecoremediation potential of the Ljubljana Marsh as a natural soil and water cleaning plant

Project co-ordinator: Prof. Dr. Ines Mandić Mulec

The proposed project will study the effect of agricultural practices (arable/grassland) and pollutant load (e.g. sewage slurry) on the ecoremediation potential of marshland soils differing in soil organic matter (SOM) and mineral content. It will be focused on the activity and structure of microbial communities as bioindicators of environmental change. The methodology for sampling, microbial activity measurements and molecular monitoring of changes in the microbial community is well established in our group. We will also measure the initial and final concentration of nitrate and phosphate, green-house gas emissions (CO2, N2O) and emissions of energy-rich methane (CH4). We hypothesise that land use (agricultural practices) and pollutant load will affect the activity and structure of indigenous microbial communities and thereby the overall ecoremediation potential of marshland soils (i.e. reduction of NO3, PO4 in surface and ground waters). Studies will be conducted on an experimental field in the Ljubljana Marsh and in microcosms. Results obtained in microcosms will form the basis for future use of peat-like substrates and microbial populations from peat soil in constructed wetlands and wastewater treatment plants. In the case of elevated emissions of methane from heavy loads of organic pollutants, technological conversion of methane to energy should be considered. Field results will be crucial for the management plan of the Ljubljana Marsh regional park as an integral part of the Natura 2000 network. Furthermore, they will demonstrate the natural bearing/cleaning capacity of peat soils for pollutants originating from agriculture and urbanisation.