Abstract
A bench scale artificial water purification system with the combination of a benthic animal (Trichoptera) and reeds (Phragmites japonica) or watercress (Nasturtium officinale) was established. When 30 solid bodies of a kind of benthic animal were present, phosphate concentration in water was about 1/5 with reed and 1/2 with watercress and total nitrogen concentration were about 1/6 to 1/3 with each reed and watercress compared with the control experiment without benthic animals after one month of treatment. It was confirmed in artificial water purification system that the combination with benthic animals and reed or watercress enhanced the purification ability especially in phosphate and nitrogenous compound removal.
