Enhanced nitrogen removal in an electrochemically coupled biochar-amended constructed wetland microcosms: The interactive effects of biochar and electrochemistry

Abstract

The interactive effects of both biochar (BC) and electrochemistry (EC) can affect nitrogen (N) removal process. However, little is known about how this function in constructed wetland (CW) systems. In this study, an electrochemically (EC) coupled BC-amended saturated subsurface vertical flow constructed wetland (BECW) systems were established to enhance nitrogen (N) removal. Other three CW systems: without BC and EC (CW); with EC only (ECW); and with BC only (BCW) were performed as controls. Results indicated that the total nitrogen (59.88%–93.03%) and nitrate‑nitrogen (83.14%–100%) of the BECW system were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) compared with the control systems. Treated WWTP tail-water could meet Class-IV of the Surface Water Quality Standard (GB3838-2002) in China by the BECW system. The enhanced N removal in the BECW system could be attributed to (1) the autotrophic denitrification process in which H2 and Fe2+ provided by the cathode and anode acted as electron donors; and (2) BC addition acting as substrate could improve the activity, diversity and richness of microorganisms. Microbial community analysis further indicated that high N removal in the BECW system was significantly dependent on the synergy between the heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrifiers, facilitated by BC and EC interaction. Results illustrate that the BECW system is a feasible and eco-sustainable technology for treating low C/N tail-water from WWTPs. This work provides a novel and fundamental understanding of the electrochemically coupled biochar-amended CW system. These results could serve as a theoretical basis for the engineered applications in the deep purification of WWTPs' tail-water.