Hybrid Constructed Wetlands for the National Parks in Poland – The Case Study, Requirements, Dimensioning and Preliminary Results

Abstract

Poland is proud of 23 National Parks (NPs) which were established to protect unique European areas. Through cooperation between Life Science University in Lublin and the NPs, highly effective methods for environmental protection were introduced in Roztoczanski and Poleski National Parks. One method is a hybrid treatment wetland (HTW) for wastewater treatment. HTWs, if well designed and maintained, can effectively treat wastewater generated in houses and museum buildings in the area of the NPs. In 2014, three HTWs were constructed in Roztoczanski National Park (RNP) (A – Kosobudy, B – Zwierzyniec, C – Florianka). One of these installations was constructed in the shape of a fir tree (A – Kosobudy). In 2015 another one, in a turtle shape, was built in Poleski National Park (PNP) (D – Stare Zalucze). Similar wastewater treatment technology was applied in all facilities. The technology consisted of three steps: (i) mechanical treatment in three septic tank chambers, (ii) biological treatment in two or three stages of vertical and horizontal beds, and (iii) inactivation of phosphorus in p-filter with calcium-silica rock. Since the very beginning all facilities have been monitored and the results indicate very low concentrations of pollutants in the final effluents. It can be concluded that HTWs working according to the assumed technology fulfill the strict requirements for wastewater treatment in NP areas in Poland.