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Effect of step-feeding on the performance of lab-scale columns simulating vertical flow-horizontal flow constructed wetlands

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Abstract

The effect of step-feeding (untreated wastewater by-pass) on the performance of lab-scale columns simulating a hybrid vertical flow (VF)-horizontal flow (HF) constructed wetland (CW) system was studied. Step-feeding strategies have been adopted in several kinds of CW, but this is the first report about the use of step-feeding in VF + HF hybrid systems treating domestic wastewater. Applied loading rates were 7–11 g BOD5/m2 day and 2.1–3.4 g TN/m2 day (overall system). Removal efficiency reached 98% TSS and COD and 99% BOD5 on average, whilst a 50% by-pass improved TN removal from 31 to 50%. Maximum surface nitrification rate (5.5 g N/m2 day) was obtained in VF unit, whilst maximum denitrification rate (1.8 g N/m2 day) was observed in HF unit. Referred to the overall system, maximum surface nitrification and denitrification rates were 2.2 and 1.6 g N/m2 day, respectively. However, potential nitrifying and denitrifying activities (batch assays) were 15.0 and 58.9 g N/m2 day, respectively. Even at 50% by-pass, operational conditions in HF unit (dissolved oxygen, redox, COD/TN ratio) were not suitable enough for denitrification. However, methane emissions were not observed and nitrous oxide emissions were relatively low.

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Acknowledgements

Project CTM2011-28384 founded by the Spanish Department of Science and Innovation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of A Coruña, Rúa da Fraga 10, 15008, A Coruña, Galiza, Spain

    Verónica Torrijos, Isabel Ruiz & Manuel Soto

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  1. Verónica Torrijos
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  2. Isabel Ruiz
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  3. Manuel Soto
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Correspondence to Manuel Soto.

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Responsible editor: Boqiang Qin

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Torrijos, V., Ruiz, I. & Soto, M. Effect of step-feeding on the performance of lab-scale columns simulating vertical flow-horizontal flow constructed wetlands. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 22649–22662 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9925-1

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