Meta-analysis revealed the factors affecting the functions of ecological floating bed in removing nitrogen and phosphorus from eutrophic water

Ecological floating bed (EFB) has been widely used to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from eutrophic water. However, its effects on nitrogen and phosphorus removal are different in various studies. Presently it has not been systematically clear what factors produce effects on EFB removing nitrogen and phosphorus from eutrophic water. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of 169 articles to discuss the effects of EFB characteristics and experimental conditions on EFB removing nitrogen and phosphorus. Results showed that EFB generally decreased nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in eutrophic water regardless of EFB characteristics and experimental conditions. EFB showed better effects on simultaneously removing TN, NH₄⁺-N, and TP when it had one of the characteristics: constructed by monocots, 2–3 plant species, an area of 1.1–3.0 m², and the coverage of 21%-40%. However, NO₃⁻-N removal by EFB was complicated due to the effects of nitrification and denitrification. Moreover, EFB plant density also showed different effects on nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Experimental conditions produced evident effects on EFB removing nitrogen and phosphorus, and it showed better effects under one of the conditions: water temperature of 16–25℃, experimental duration of 31–60 days, long hydraulic retention time, and aeration. This study indicates that EFB can significantly remove nitrogen and phosphorus from eutrophic water, and it is an effective technology to control water eutrophication, but the effects of EFB characteristics and environmental conditions on EFB function should be considered in application.