Effects of nitrogen on the removal of dibutyl phthalate from surface water in the presence of Potamogeton crispus L.

► Effects of nitrogen on the removal of DBP from surface water by P. crispus were investigated. ► DBP removal from surface water could be enhanced by 5.9-45.9% in the presence of P. crispus. ► With the increase of NO3−-N level, removal and bioconcentration of DBP by P. crispus increased. ► DBP taken up by P. crispus was mostly degraded. ► Enhancement of DBP removal from water in the presence of P. crispus was related to NO3−-N:TIN ratio.