Abstract: We report here a new method using aerial roots of plant to clean eutrophic water. Neriumindicum was used as the test plant. Aerial roots grew in a controlled artificial environment similar to riverbank (plants grew on the riverbank or bank wall, and part of the branches and leaves were inundated in water). Results showed that given basic living conditions (soil, sunshine, water and temperature), aerial roots developed on 77% of the test plants with an average rooting rate of 38%. The removal rate of TP, TN, NH₃-N, NO₂-N, NO₃-N and turbidity NTU was 27.3%, 29.1%, 17.1%, 20.5%, 1.60% and 0.70%, respectively. Plants grown on river bank also contribute to soil and water conservation and landscape greenery. Therefore, this method integrates functions of eutrophic water purification, soil and water conservation, and landscape greenery.

Key words: soil and water conservation, landscape greenery, Neriumindicum, aerial root, eutrophic water