Abstract
The overall efficiency of a pilot-scale hybrid constructed wetland (H-CW), located on a retail store's parking area in Eastern Sicily, for alternative treatment of stormwater runoff and of sequential batch reactor (SBR) effluent was evaluated. Experimental activities were focused on system performances, including wastewater (WW) quality and hydraulic monitoring. System design, macrophyte growth and seasonal factors influenced the pilot plant performance. Very high removal efficiency for microbial indicators were reported within the subsurface horizontal flow unit (HF), playing a strategic role for Clostridium perfringens. The algal growth occurred in the free water surface (FWS) unit and inhibited removal efficiencies of total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), impairing water quality. The whole H-CW showed good efficiency in trace metals removal, especially for Pb, Zn, and Cu. Preliminary results suggested the reliability of the H-CW technology in decentralised water treatment facilities for enhancing water recovery and reuse.
Highlights
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are green treatment technologies simulating natural wetlands
EC values varied between I and II–III periods, and dissolved oxygen (DO) along the treatment units. The latter has been described as a key indicator of wetland metabolism, and its variability can describe the fluctuating balance between autotrophic and heterotrophic processes. All these features, influenced by seasonal changes, together with multi-compartment CW design and diversified flow conditions become very challenging when managing these types of systems (Adyel et al )
A proof of that could be linked to higher levels of DO and pH recorded in the retention pond (Table 1, point 2), while temperature seemed less influent
Summary
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are green treatment technologies simulating natural wetlands They have been traditionally used to treat conventional wastewater (WW), but during last two decades their application included industrial and agricultural wastewaters, landfill leachate, as well as stormwater runoff (Vymazal ). The European Union (EU) has clearly implemented water protection in its environmental policy through various relevant directives ( / /EC, / /EC), but concerning the stormwater regulation, only a quantitative.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
