Four wetland systems receiving potable water contained a combination of Cattail, Iris Lily, Taro, Duckweek and Elodea. Two other wetland systems receiving secondary unchlorinated sewage contained Water Hyacinth and Duckweed. Potable water and secondary sewage without the presence of any aquatic plants were used as controls. Bacterial die-off in potable water and secondary sewage was significantly higher when aquatic plants were present in these systems. No antibiotic or inhibitory substances were found in these wetland waters.
Vegetative wetland is a natural system with no added chemicals in it.
These results along with the other published literature in this area suggest that this natural system might be used for microbial water quality improvement in the future. The case involving Cholestin, a red yeast product from China, had been closely watched as potentially defining when dietary supplements cross the line into medicine. Manufacturer Pharmanex Inc. vehemently denies that Cholestin is a drug, and is challenging the FDA's ruling. A hearing is set for June 15 in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City.