An experimental constructed wetland system for the treatment of highway runoff in the UK

Abstract

This paper compares the performance of an experimental highway runoff treatment system, incorporating a subsurface flow constructed wetland, with that of a vegetated balancing pond. Both systems are located on the same major road in the UK which opened in November 1998. Copper, chromium and nickel total aqueous metal concentrations, although low, have been consistently removed (maximum efficiencies of 67.3, 69.8 and 87.0% respectively in the constructed wetland), particularly in the summer. Zinc showed the highest aqueous metal concentrations and the generally positive removal by the constructed wetland system (maximum efficiency of 60.6%) correlates with the expected metal uptake by Typha latifolia and Phragmites australis. Sediment levels for these metals and for lead progressively decreased over the one year monitoring period. For the two storm events monitored in the constructed wetland system, all metals showed evidence of removal (removal efficiencies of 24.2 to 99.4%) except for copper. Lead and cadmium demonstrated the highest removal efficiencies followed by nickel and zinc. For both storms, the wetland acted as a source of copper (removal efficiencies of -88.4 to -97.1%), which may be explained by the die-back of aquatic plants and consequent release of organically bound copper.

Tratamiento de aguas de escorrentía mediante humedales artificiales: Estado del arte

“…Por lo general, los tratamientos primarios utilizados son: trampas para aceites, sedimentadores y canales perimetrales para contención de derrames de aceite [35,[39][40][41].…”

Application of System Dynamics on Shallow Multipurpose Artificial Lakes: A Case Study of Detention Pond at Tainan, Taiwan

“…3. Water quality improvement: To improve water quality, wetland management can be adapted to intercept and retain nutrients from incoming water [22,23].…”

“…Using previous models, a number of models have applied SD to water resources management, including water supply and demand scenarios [27,32,33], flood protection [24], and sustainable management [23,31]. First, various researchers have already applied the SD approach to water resources management.…”

Towards a Constructed Wetland/Reservoir- Tank System for Rainwater Harvesting in an Experimental Catchment in Colombia

“…Initially, these systems were designed for flood control: collecting, storing, and treating stormwater; also to minimize the effects on the infrastructure (such as soil impermeabilization and increase of water demand) and the anthropic activity on the quality of water [27]. The application of SUDS is a current topic (except in Africa); around the world there are successful SUDS experiences: USA [28], United Kindom [29], Chile [30], Malaysia [31], Australia [32], China [33], Korea [34], and Greece [35].…”