Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and treatment efficiency of the Horizontal Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetland treatment system (HSF-CW) in an arid climate. Seventeen sub-surface, horizontal-flow HSF-CW units have been operated for approximately three years to improve the quality of partially-treated municipal wastewater. The studied design parameters included two sizes of volcanic tuff media (i.e., fine or coarse), two different bed dimensions (i.e., long and short), and three plantation types (i.e., reed, kenaf, or no vegetation as a control). The effluent Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), and phosphorus from all of the treatments were significantly lower as compared to the influent and demonstrated a removal efficiency of 55%, 51%, 67%, and 55%, respectively. There were significant increases in Electrical Conductivity (EC), sulfate, and calcium in the effluent of most HSF-CWs due to evaporative concentration and mineral dissolution from the media. The study suggests that unplanted beds with either fine or coarse media are the most suitable combinations among all of the studied designs based on their treatment efficiency and less water loss in arid conditions.
Highlights
Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been recognized as a reliable wastewater treatment technology [1,2]
The Horizontal Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetland treatment system (HSF-CW) overall mean influent flow was m3 ̈ day1. After it passed through the beds, the effluent was reduced to 23 m3 ̈ day1 with an overall loss of 17%
This study has provided long-term field test data with statistical analysis on various HSF-CW in an arid environment
Summary
Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been recognized as a reliable wastewater treatment technology [1,2]. CWs are engineered systems that are designed and constructed to utilize natural processes that improve water quality in wetlands in a more controlled or modified environment [1]. Compared to conventional treatment systems, constructed wetlands can be more economical, operated and maintained, and have a strong potential for applications in developing countries. There are two different types of constructed wetlands: free water surface (FWS) and sub-surface flow (SSF). In developed temperate-climate countries, the horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands (HSF-CWs) have been successfully used for the treatment of various types of wastewater for more than four decades [1,5]. To date there has been limited information about CWs in
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