Modelling of organic matter degradation in constructed wetlands for treatment of combined sewer overflow

Subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands (CWs) have been found to be a useful system to treat combined sewer overflow (CSO). The study presented uses numerical simulation to increase the understanding of the fundamental processes of COD degradation in CWs for CSO treatment. The multi-component reactive transport module CW2D was used for the simulation study. The simulation results showed that the measured behaviour of the system can only be modelled when COD adsorption is considered as additional process. A new parameter set for CW2D for modelling CSO treatment is presented. A range of values for COD adsorption parameters, COD fractionation and bacteria concentrations were estimated by an identifiability analysis. For the simulation a step wise approach was developed. On the one hand a lysimeter study was used for calibration and validation, and on the other hand field and lab-scale experiments were used for validation. Single-event simulations as well as long-term simulations were carried out. For the single-event simulations (lysimeter and field studies) a good match between measured and simulated data could be achieved. However, the long-term simulations showed that there is a need for further investigations mainly due to the uncertainties during long dry periods between the loadings.     

The effect of pre-aeration on the purification processes in the long-term performance of a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland

Different conditions (water level, oxygen supply) prevailing in both beds of the Kodij?rve double-bed horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetland (CW) (Southern Estonia; constructed in 1996, total area 312.5 m(2), 40 pe) provide the opportunity to compare how different operational methods have altered the efficiency of the purification processes inside the HSSF CW. In summer 2002 a vertical subsurface flow (VSSF) CW (total area 37.4 m(2)) was added as the first stage of the system. Data from 18 sampling wells installed in Kodij?rve HSSF CW from two periods is compared: 1st period -- January 2000-April 2002 (before the VSSF CW was built); 2nd period --October 2002-December 2004 (after the construction of the VSSF filter). The VSSF CW has remarkably improved aerobic conditions in both beds of the HSSF. Apart from total phosphorus concentrations in the right bed and nitrate nitrogen concentrations in the outflow of both beds, all of the water quality indicators (dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total nitrogen and total iron) improved after the construction of the VSSF filter. Typically, purification processes in the HSSF CW were dependent on oxygen supply, which was partly influenced by the water level inside the filter beds.     

Investigation of bacterial removal during the filtration process in constructed wetlands

In this study, bacterial removal efficiencies of planted and unplanted subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands are compared. Indicator organisms such as faecal coliforms (Escherichia coli, total coliforms) and enterococci, and a number of heterotrophic bacteria (heterotrophic plate counts) have been analysed from the influent and effluent of the constructed wetlands as well as at different depths (water and substrate samples). Furthermore dry matter content and total organic carbon (TOC) have been analysed and correlated. The investigated systems show a high removal rate for indicator organisms (a log removal rate of 2.85 for HPC, 4.35 for E. coli, 4.31 for total coliforms and 4.80 for enterococci was observed). In general no significant difference in the removal efficiency of planted and unplanted vertical flow beds could be measured. Only enterococci measured in the substrate samples of the main layer of the filter could a statistically significant difference be observed.     

Microbial biomass, activity and community composition in constructed wetlands

The aim of the current article is to give an overview about microbial communities and their functioning but also about factors affecting microbial activity in the three most common types (surface flow and two types of sub-surface flow) of constructed wetlands. The paper reviews the community composition and structural diversity of the microbial biomass, analyzing different aspects of microbial activity with respect to wastewater properties, specific wetland type, and environmental parameters. A brief introduction about the application of different novel molecular techniques for the assessment of microbial communities in constructed wetlands is also given. Microbially mediated processes in constructed wetlands are mainly dependent on hydraulic conditions, wastewater properties, including substrate and nutrient quality and availability, filter material or soil type, plants, and different environmental factors. Microbial biomass is within similar ranges in both horizontal and vertical subsurface flow and surface flow constructed wetlands. Stratification of the biomass but also a stratified structural pattern of the bacterial community can be seen in subsurface flow systems. Microbial biomass C/N ratio is higher in horizontal flow systems compared to vertical flow systems, indicating the structural differences in microbial communities between those two constructed wetland types. The total activity of the microbial community is in the same range, but heterotrophic growth is higher in the subsurface (vertical flow) system compared to the surface flow systems. Available species-specific data about microbial communities in different types of wetlands is scarce and therefore it is impossible make any general conclusions about the dynamics of microbial community structure in wetlands, its relationship to removal processes and operational parameters.     

Recent developments in numerical modelling of subsurface flow constructed wetlands

Numerical modelling of subsurface flow constructed wetlands (CWs) gained increasing interest during the last years. The main objective of the modelling work is, on the one hand, to increase the insight in dynamics and functioning of the complex CW system by using mechanistic or process based models that describe transformation and degradation processes in detail. As these mechanistic models are complex and therefore rather difficult to use there is, on the other hand, a need for simplified models for CW design. The design models should be premium to the currently used design guidelines that are mainly based on rules of thumb or simple first-order decay models. This paper presents an overview of the current developments on modelling of subsurface flow CWs based on the modelling work and model developments presented at the WETPOL 2007 symposium. Three kinds of models have been presented: simple transport and first-order decay models, complex mechanistic models, and a simplified model that has been developed for design of CWs. The models are presented and selected results are shown and discussed in relation to the available literature.     

Flow patterns of dairy wastewater constructed wetlands in a cold climate

Conservative tracer experiments, and spatial temperature and dissolved oxygen mapping within four subsurface treatment wetlands employed in this study demonstrated the importance of supplemental aeration and vegetation in reducing preferential flows in cold climate treatment wetlands. Four constructed wetlands, employing horizontal subsurface flow were used to treat dairy wastewater in a 2 x 2 factorial design consisting of two wetland cells with vegetation and two with supplemental aeration. Four tracer studies were conducted between November 2004 and May 2005. Two key observations were made, demonstrating that vegetation and aeration can be utilized in cold regions to prevent clogging and freezing, thereby reducing preferential flow paths which can reduce treatment efficiencies: (1) vegetation contributed to thermal protection and (2) aeration increased temperature and mixing. A comparison of multiple wetland cells with varying flow rates showed that the use of pore volume in tracer response curves was a better indicator of preferential flows than other indicators including volumetric efficiency, hydraulic efficiency and number of continuosly stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). This research helps further establish how constructed wetlands are a viable tool for treating wastewater in cold climates.     

人工湿地预处理微污染原水的脱氮除磷性能研究

分别采用推流式潜流湿地、往复流式潜流湿地、芦苇床表流湿地、蒲草床表流湿地四种人工湿地对微污染原水进行预处理,对比研究了四种人工湿地对总氮、氨氮、硝态氮及总磷的去除效果。结果表明,蒲草床表流湿地对总氮具有较高的去除率,在夏季和秋季去除率基本保持在60％～90％之间,四种湿地对总磷的去除率既不明显也不稳定。     

补充生物质强化水平潜流湿地去除硝酸盐氮研究

针对垂直流-水平流组合人工湿地的水平流段反硝化碳源不足的问题,研究了投加香蒲枯叶对去除硝酸盐氮及出水水质的影响.结果表明,投加经过碱处理和未处理的香蒲枯叶均可以提高水平潜流人工湿地系统对硝酸盐氮的去除速率.在进水硝酸盐氮为50 mg/L时,投加经碱处理的香蒲枯叶后,运行初期的出水硝酸盐氮<7 mg/L,去除速率可达12.18 S/(m~3·d);投加未处理的香蒲枯叶后,运行初期的出水硝酸盐氮<15 mg/L,去除速率为9.21 g/(m~3·d).投加香蒲枯叶后,系统出水总氮的变化趋势与硝酸盐氮的一致.     

潜流人工湿地的设计探讨

介绍了潜流人工湿地的表面积、横截面积的设计计算,讨论了水力停留时间、深度、湿地长和宽及其比例、水力坡度等的设计确定,为潜流人工湿地的工程设计提供参考。     

Evaluating the efficiency and temporal variation of pilot-scale constructed wetlands and steel slag phosphorus removing filters for treating dairy wastewater

The performance and temporal variation of three hybrid and three integrated, saturated flow, pilot-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) were tested for treating dairy farm effluent. The three hybrid systems each consisted of two CWs in-series, with horizontal and vertical flow. Integrated systems consisted of a CW (horizontal and vertical flow) followed by a steel slag filter for removing phosphorus. Time series temporal semivariogram analyses of measured water parameters illustrated different treatment efficiencies existed over the course of one season. As a result, data were then divided into separate time period groups and CW systems were compared using ANOVA for parameter measurements within each distinct time period group. Both hybrid and integrated CWs were efficient in removing organics; however, hybrid systems had significantly higher performance (p < 0.05) during peak vegetation growth. Compared to hybrid CWs, integrated CWs achieved significantly higher DRP reduction (p < 0.05) throughout the period of investigation and higher ammonia reduction (p < 0.05) in integrated CWs was observed in late summer. Geochemical modeling demonstrates hydroxyapatite and vivianite minerals forming on steel slag likely control the fate of phosphate ions given the reducing conditions prevalent in the system. The model also demonstrates how the wastewater:slag ratio can be adjusted to maximize phosphorus removal while staying at a near-neutral pH.     

Assessment of full-scale natural systems for the removal of PPCPs from wastewater in small communities

This study assessed the ability to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) of three different full-scale hybrid pond-constructed wetlands and a conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The four systems were fed with primary-treated urban wastewaters. The three hybrid systems consisted of several different subsystems (ponds, surface flow constructed wetlands and horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands) connected in series, and their PPCP degradation efficiency was monitored. In addition, the enantiomeric behaviour of ibuprofen was studied in all the subsystems. The hybrid systems were at least as efficient in PPCP removal as the WWTP, removal efficiencies mainly exceeding 70%. Moreover, enantiomeric analysis indicates that ibuprofen removal followed a predominantly aerobic and microbiological pathway. Constructed wetlands and ponds are therefore successful technologies for removing PPCPs from wastewater and the most significant removal process in these systems is biologically mediated.     

组合人工湿地用于城市污水处理厂尾水深度处理

针对城市污水处理厂尾水特性,采用强化澄清调节池+微曝气垂直潜流人工湿地+水平潜流人工湿地+表面流人工湿地+氧化塘组合工艺进行处理,介绍了湿地工艺流程及设计参数,分析和讨论了稳定期的运行数据。实际运行结果表明,该组合工艺对COD、NH₃-N、TP平均去除率分别为47. 4%、72. 6%、45. 8%;垂直流人工湿地中4种不同挺水植物(芦苇、西伯利亚鸢尾、香蒲、菖蒲)对污染物去除效果差异不显著;垂直流人工湿地中植物对COD、NH₃-N、TP去除贡献占比依次为20. 18%、20. 22%、9. 75%。目前,该工程出水水质稳定达到《地表水环境质量标准》(GB 3838—2002)Ⅳ类水标准,具有较好的环境效益和社会效益。     

Preliminary screening of small-scale domestic wastewater treatment systems for removal of pharmaceutical and personal care products

Occurrence and removal efficiencies of 13 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) as well as BOD₅, TSS and NH₄⁺ were evaluated for the first time in thirteen onsite household secondary wastewater treatment systems, including two compact biofilters followed by Filtralite-P filter units, two biological sand filters, five horizontal subsurface flow and four vertical flow constructed wetlands. As expected, all systems removed TSS and BOD₅ efficiently (>95% removal). The PPCP removal efficiencies exceeded 80% with the exception of carbamazepine, diclofenac and ketoprofen because of their more recalcitrant characteristics. Despite no statistical differences in the PPCP removal were observed between the different systems evaluated, the vegetated vertical flow constructed wetlands which had unsaturated flow and hence better oxygenation, appeared consistently to perform better in terms of PPCP removal efficiency. The combined effects of vegetation and unsaturated water flow provide a higher tolerance to variations in loading rate and a consistent removal rate.     

The effect of primary treatment and flow regime on clogging development in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands: An experimental evaluation

The effect of both the type of primary treatment (hydrolitic up-flow sludge blanket (HUSB) reactor and conventional settling) and the flow regime (batch and continuous) on clogging development in subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SSF CWs) was studied. Clogging indicators (such as accumulated solids, hydraulic conductivity and drainable porosity) were determined in an experimental plant with three treatment lines. Correlations were encountered between the solids accumulated and both saturated hydraulic conductivity and drainable porosity reduction over time (74.5% and 89.2% of correlation, respectively). SSF CW implemented with a HUSB reactor accumulated ca. 30% lower sludge (1.9 kg DM/m²) than a system with a settler (2.5-2.8 kg DM/m²). However, no significant differences were recorded among treatment lines concerning hydraulic parameters (such as hydraulic conductivity or porosity). Root system development contributed to clogging. Accordingly, planted wetlands showed between 30% and 40% and 10% lower hydraulic conductivity and porosity reduction, respectively, than non-planted wetlands.     

The use of Bassia indica for salt phytoremediation in constructed wetlands

The treatment and reuse of wastewater in constructed wetlands offers a low-cost, environmentally-friendly alternative for common engineered systems. Salinity in treated wastewater is often increased, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, and may harm crops irrigated from wetlands. We have strong evidence that halophyte plants are able to reduce the salinity of wastewater by accumulating salts in their tissues. Bassia indica is an annual halophyte with unique adaptations for salt tolerance. We performed three experiments to evaluate the capability of B. indica for salt phytoremediation as follows: a hydroponic system with mixed salt solutions, a recirculated vertical flow constructed wetland (RVFCW) with domestic wastewater, and a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) for treating goat farm effluents. B. Indica plants developed successfully in all three systems and reduced the effluent salinity by 20-60% in comparison with unplanted systems or systems planted with other wetland plants. Salinity reduction was attributed to the accumulation of salts, mainly Na and K, in the leaves. Our experiments were carried out on an operative scale, suggesting a novel treatment for green desalination in constructed wetlands by salt phytoremediation in desert regions and other ecosystems.     

Bacterial carbon utilization in vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands

Subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands with intermittent loading are considered as state of the art and can comply with stringent effluent requirements. It is usually assumed that microbial activity in the filter body of constructed wetlands, responsible for the removal of carbon and nitrogen, relies mainly on bacterially mediated transformations. However, little quantitative information is available on the distribution of bacterial biomass and production in the "black-box" constructed wetland. The spatial distribution of bacterial carbon utilization, based on bacterial (14)C-leucine incorporation measurements, was investigated for the filter body of planted and unplanted indoor pilot-scale constructed wetlands, as well as for a planted outdoor constructed wetland. A simple mass-balance approach was applied to explain the bacterially catalysed organic matter degradation in this system by comparing estimated bacterial carbon utilization rates with simultaneously measured carbon reduction values. The pilot-scale constructed wetlands proved to be a suitable model system for investigating microbial carbon utilization in constructed wetlands. Under an ideal operating mode, the bulk of bacterial productivity occurred within the first 10cm of the filter body. Plants seemed to have no significant influence on productivity and biomass of bacteria, as well as on wastewater total organic carbon removal.     

Comprehensive assessment of the design configuration of constructed wetlands for the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products from urban wastewaters

Seven mesocosm-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) of different configurations were operated outdoors for nine months to assess their ability to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) from urban wastewaters. CWs differed in some design parameters, namely the presence of plants, the species chosen (i.e., Typha angustifolia vs Phragmites australis), flow configuration (i.e., surface flow vs subsurface flow) and the presence of a gravel bed. A nearby conventional activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) fed with the same sewage was simultaneously monitored for comparison. The PPCPs ketoprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, salicylic acid, carbamazepine, caffeine, galaxolide, tonalide and methyl dihydrojasmonate were monitored. The presence of plants favoured the removal of some PPCPs. The performance of the mesocosm studied was compound-dependant, soilless CWs showing the highest removal efficiency for ketoprofen, ibuprofen and carbamazepine, while free-water CWs with effluent leaving through the bottom of the tank performed well for the degradation of ketoprofen, salicylic acid, galaxolide and tonalide. Finally, subsurface horizontal flow CWs were efficient for the removal of caffeine. Significant linear correlations were observed between the removal of some PPCPs and temperature or redox potential. Hence, microbiological pathways appear to be the most probable degradation route for PPCPs in the CWs studied.     

水力负荷对湖滨带人工湿地除磷效果的影响

分析了湖滨带复合人工湿地的各单元在旱季和雨季的除磷效果。结果表明，在进水TP浓度较高时，沉淀池对TP的去除效果较明显，旱、雨季的不同水力负荷对处理效果几乎没有影响。雨季时潜流人工湿地内发生了不溶性磷的吸附和沉积，实现了对磷的去除；旱季时由于水力负荷极小，水体流动性差，系统内处于厌氧状态，出现了磷的释放。雨季时，表面流人工湿地对磷的去除效果没有沉淀池和潜流人工湿地的理想，旱季的低水力负荷对除磷效果没有显著的影响。     

Fate of indicator microorganisms, Giardia and Cryptosporidium in subsurface flow constructed wetlands

Limited information is available on the ability of subsurface flow wetlands to remove enteric pathogens. Two multi-species wetlands, one receiving secondary sewage effluent and the other potable (disinfected) groundwater were studied from February 1995 to August 1996, at the Pima County Constructed Ecosystems Research Facility in Tucson, Arizona. Each wetland had a retention time of approximately 4 days. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the ability of multi-species subsurface wetlands to physically remove Giardia cysts; Cryptosporidium oocysts, total and fecal coliforms, and coliphages; and (2) to determine the likely impact of local wildlife on the occurrence of these indicators and pathogens. In the wetland receiving secondary sewage effluent, total coliforms were reduced by an average of 98.8% and fecal coliforms by 98.2%. Coliphage were reduced by an average of 95.2%. Both Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts were reduced by an average of 87.8 and 64.2%, respectively. In the wetland receiving disinfected groundwater, an average of 1.3 x 10(2) total coliforms/100 mL and 22.3 fecal coliforms/100 mL were most likely contributed by both flora and fauna. No parasites or coliphages were detected.     

两种改进型垂直潜流人工湿地脱氮途径分析研究

通过对两种改进型垂直潜流人工湿地中垂向沿程DO浓度、氨氮浓度以及硝态氮浓度的考察,从pH角度分析了两种改进型湿地中的脱氮途径.试验发现,两种改进型垂直潜流人工湿地均能满足硝化要求,出水氨氮浓度均能达到<城镇污水处理厂污染物排放标准>(GB 18918-2002)的一级A标准,且改进型序批式垂直潜流人工湿地(MCBW)的脱氮能力大于序批式垂直潜流人工湿地(CBW).此外,通过理论分析和物料衡算得出,序批式垂直潜流人工湿地的脱氮途径主要以传统硝化反硝化为主,而改进型序批式垂直潜流人工湿地中存在着同步硝化反硝化.