The Effect of Festuca arundinacea and Dactylis glomerata on the Level of Nitrogen In Simulated Runoff

The eutrophication, or the excessive richness of nutrients in surface water, and groundwater pollution through nitrate leaching has caused the death of marine life and oxygen depletion in water. Stemming from the overuse of fertilizer, resulting in polluted runoff, some facilities now use phytoremediation, a method of using plants to mitigate this problem, preventing excess nitrate from entering water systems. This research aimed to explore the effectiveness of two phytoremediate plants, Festuca arundinacea and Dactylis glomerata, in preventing or reducing the proliferation of simulated nitrogen runoff. It was hypothesized that if a simulated runoff solution is poured onto these two plants, then Tall Fescue will capture the most nitrogen because of its phytoremediate properties, such as a strong root system and the ability to adapt. To conduct this experiment, 30 plants of each of the two species were planted in ecocolumns made from water bottles. Then a nitrate solution was made and poured into the plants. The water passed over the plants was measured for it's nitrate level (ppm). After completing this experiment, an ANOVA was conducted. After seeing that the p value of <0.00001 is less than the alpha value of 0.05, a Scheffé test was conducted to determine where the difference lies. It was determined that though Tall Fescue and Orchardgrass both impacted the nitrate level, Tall Fescue significantly decreased the nitrate level the most. In conclusion, The hypothesis was supported, suggesting that Tall Fescue had the greatest impact on the level of nitrate.