Abstract
Mathematical models have become an excellent tool to evaluate the characteristics and performance of Constructed Wetlands (CWs). They help to characterize the dynamics of pollutant removal in these systems. The aim of this research was to evaluate the kinetics of organic matter removal in CWs using two models: (i) the conventional first order model and (ii) the sigmoidal or k-n model. For this purpose, data from 41 CWs where domestic sewage is treated were used. The cluster analysis was performed to identify similar groups of CWs based on the estimation of model coefficients. According to the results obtained, the model that provides a better fit for the removal of organic matter in CWs is the sigmoidal-type. However, its “n” coefficient, which would represent an increase in resistance to degradation, remains a not totally explained variable. The sigmoidal or k-n model is promising, presenting good adjustment indices.
Highlights
Academic Editors: Yung-Tse Hung, Municipal sewerage produces a high amount of wastewater that has high concentrations of solids, organic substances, and nutrients
The characteristics analyzed for each system were: the season in which the experiment was conducted; type of influent sewage; vegetation; total organic loading rate (OLR); hydraulic retention time (t); wetland length (L); length/width ratio (L/W); influent COD concentration (Co); type of porous substrate; and treatment efficiency, represented by the remaining relative fraction (C⁄Co)
Data from studies of these 41 Constructed wetlands (CWs) were published by nine different teams of authors [11,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23]
Summary
Academic Editors: Yung-Tse Hung, Municipal sewerage produces a high amount of wastewater that has high concentrations of solids, organic substances, and nutrients. The disposal of this wastewater without the use of proper treating methods may cause contamination of fresh water bodies. CWs are nature-based wastewater treatment systems in which physical, chemical, and biological processes are carried out in parallel and simultaneously, and influence each other. These processes assist in the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants present in wastewaters. The microorganisms and aquatic macrophytes involved can remove and absorb pollutants and, as a result, obtain a substantial improvement in the removal efficiency of these systems [6,7,8,9]
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