Internalisation of Salmonella spp. by Typha latifolia and Cyperus papyrus in vitro and implications for pathogen removal in constructed wetlandsInternalisation of Salmonella spp. by Typha latifolia and Cyperus papyrus in vitro and implications for pathogen removal in constructed wetlands Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2021-05-272020enFreshwater contamination by enteric pathogens is implicated in the high frequency of diarrhoeal diseases in low to middle income countries, typically due to poor wastewater management. Constructed Wetlands are a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional/mechanical treatment technologies, but the pathogen removal mechanisms in Constructed Wetlands are not fully understood. This study investigated for the first time the internalisation of Salmonella spp. by Typha latifolia and Cyperus papyrus in hydroponic microcosms. Presence of Salmonella spp. within roots, rhizomes and shoots was assayed using agar-based methods over a period of 12 days. Concentration of Salmonella spp. in growth media showed 2.7 and 4.8 log unit reduction with T. latifolia and C. papyrus, respectively, and 1.8 and 6.0 log unit in unplanted units. Salmonella spp. was recovered from root and rhizome tissues of T. latifolia (up to 4.4 logCFU/g) and C. papyrus (up to 3.4 logCFU/g), and the bacteria were highly concentrated in the epidermis and cortex. However, Salmonella spp. was not detected in the stems and leaves of the two plant species. The present study demonstrates for the first time that these macrophytes internalise cells of Salmonella spp., which could be one pathogen removal mechanism employed by wetland plants.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Environmental Technology1–13 Alufasi Richwell Parawira Wilson Stefanakis Alexandros Στεφανακης Αλεξανδρος Lebea Phiyani Chakauya Ereck Chingwaru Walter Taylor and Francis Internalisation Salmonella spp Typha latifolia Cyperus papyrus Pathogen removal mechanism