Abstract

This chapter presents an experimental case study that aims to assess the treatment efficiencies of vertical-flow wetland filters containing macrophytes and granular media of different adsorption capacities over two years. Different concentrations of lead and copper sulphate (constant for one year each) were added to urban stream inflow water to simulate pretreated (pH adjustment assumed) mine wastewater. After one year of operation, the inflow concentrations for lead and copper were increased from 1.30 to 2.98 mg/l and from 0.98 to 1.93 mg/l, respectively. However, the metal mass load rates (mg/m2/d) were increased by a factor of approximately 4.9 for lead and 4.3 for copper. No breakthrough of metals was recorded and the lead and copper accumulated in the biomass of the litter zone and rhizomes of the macrophytes. The microbiological activity decreased during the second year of operation and bio-indicators such as ciliated protozoa and zooplankton decreased sharply in numbers, but diatoms increased. Thus it can be concluded that the use of macrophytes and adsorption media does not significantly enhance the filtration of lead and copper, although particulate lead is removed by filtration processes including straining.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.