Abstract
This paper reports a study on the performance of a multistage constructed wetland (CW) system adopted for winery wastewater and on the analysis of its suitability for irrigation reuse. The CW system treats about 3 m3·day−1 of wastewater produced by a small winery located in Sicily (insular Italy). Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet for physical–chemical and microbiological quality characterization. CW efficiency was evaluated on the basis of water quality improvement and of the achievement of Italian and EU irrigation reuse regulation limits. The CW system showed Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mean removal rates of about 81% and 69%, and a maximum removal of about 99% (for both COD and TSS) occurred during grape harvest phase. The CW removal efficiencies for nutrients were 56% for TN and 38% for PO4-P, considering their low average concentrations at CW inlet. The CW system evidenced an effluent average quality compatible with the limits imposed by the Italian regulation and EU proposal regulation on the minimum requirement for water reuse. The CW vegetated area showed regular growth and vegetative development; phytotoxicity phenomena were not detected. The results of the study suggest the important role of CW systems in the treatment of winery wastewater and for their subsequent reuse in agriculture.
Highlights
The wine sector occupies a prominent position in the Italian agri-food industry, being the most important in the beverage sector
Winery wastewaters are characterized by high concentrations of organic matter, with Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) varying between about 300 and 50,000 mg·L−1 [4], Biological
The aim of the study is to assess the performance of a multistage constructed wetland (CW) system for winery wastewater treatment and reuse for irrigation
Summary
The wine sector occupies a prominent position in the Italian agri-food industry, being the most important in the beverage sector. L of wastewater are produced) [2], the annual quantities of winery wastewater produced in Italy reach 10 million cubic meters. There is a need to improve the sustainability of winery wastewater disposal; if not controlled, such disposal, it contains mainly non-toxic organic polluting waste, can have a negative impact on natural ecosystems, with their consequent alteration [3,4,5]. Winery wastewaters are characterized by high concentrations of organic matter, with Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) varying between about 300 and 50,000 mg·L−1 [4], Biological. Oxygen Demand (BOD5 ) between about 40% and 90% of the COD value [5,6], and Total Suspended.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
