Mature Experimental Constructed Wetlands Treating Urban Water Receiving High Metal Loads

Abstract

The aim was to assess over 2 years the treatment efficiencies of vertical-flow wetland filters containing macrophytes and granular media of different adsorption capacities. Different concentrations of lead and copper sulfate (constant for 1 year each) were added to urban beck inflow water in order to simulate pretreated (pH adjustment assumed) mine wastewater. After 1 year of operation, the inflow concentrations for lead and copper were increased from 1.30 to 2.98 and from 0.98 to 1.93 mg/L, respectively. However, the metal mass load rates (mg/m(2)/d) were increased by a factor of approximately 4.9 for lead and 4.3 for copper. No breakthrough of metals was recorded. Lead and copper accumulated in the biomass of the litter zone and rhizomes of the macrophytes. Furthermore, microbiological activity decreased during the second year of operation. Bioindicators such as ciliated protozoa and zooplankton decreased sharply in numbers but diatoms increased. In conclusion, the use of macrophytes and adsorption media did not significantly enhance the filtration of lead and copper. Particulate lead is removed by filtration processes including straining. Furthermore, some expensive and time-consuming water quality variables can be predicted with less expensive ones such as temperature in order to reduce sampling costs.

Seasonal Variability in Benzene Removal by Vertical-Flow Constructed Wetland Filters

“…Good aeration conditions of vertical-flow constructed wetlands have been demonstrated in previous studies (Scholz et al 2002;Vymazal 2007) and these findings are confirmed in this study. As shown in Fig.…”

Development of the microbial communities in lake donghu in relation to water quality

“…Unlike water quality measurements, which only provide an instantaneous assessment of lake conditions, protozoa community can be used to identity past disturbances and toxic effects that are not readily detected by chemical means (Cairns and McCormick, 1993). Many studies have focused on the significance of protozoa in biological wastewater treatment Bharati et al, 2001;Nicolau et al, 2001;Scholz et al, 2002;wang et al, 2004;Lee et al, 2004;Madoni and Zangrossi, 2005).…”

The Glasgow Sustainable Urban Drainage System Management Project: Case Studies (Belvidere Hospital and Celtic FC Stadium Areas)

“…The soil in the center southwest of the area is heavily contaminated with lead and zinc and would require removal. However, lead in particular is very difficult to dissolve in water, and would not cause a problem for the outflow concentration of most SUDS structures (Scholz et al, 2002).…”

“…The soil requires removal, if used by residents in the future. However, particularly lead is very difficult to dissolve in water (Scholz et al, 2002), and is unlikely 920 SCHOLZ ET AL.…”