The fate of halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in
treatment wetlands and the changes in the DBP formation
potential as wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)-derived
water moves through the wetlands were investigated. Wetland
inlet and outlet samples were analyzed for total organic
halide (TOX), trihalomethanes (THM), haloacetic acids (HAA),
dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and UV absorbance.
Removal of DBPs by the wetland ranged from 13 to 55%
for TOX, from 78 to 97% for THM, and from 67 to 96% for HAA.
The 24-h and 7-day nonpurgeable total organic halide
(NPTOX), THM, and HAA formation potential yields were
determined at the inlet and outlet of these wetlands. The
effect of wetlands on the production of DBP precursors and
their DBP-formation potential yield from wastewater was
dramatic. The wetlands increased DBP yield up to a factor
of almost 30. Specific changes in the DOC precursors
were identified using 13C NMR spectroscopy.