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Evaluation of a constructed wetland treatment system specifically designed to decrease bioavailable copper in a

Cynthia L Murray-Gulde1, Jonathan Bearr, John H Rodgers

  • 1ENTRIX, Inc., 621 North Ave. NE, Suite A-125, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. cgulde@entrix.com

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|April 9, 2005
PubMed
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Constructed wetlands effectively reduce copper concentrations and toxicity in wastewater. Soluble copper levels accurately predict bioavailability, unlike total recoverable or acid-soluble measurements.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Water Treatment

Background:

  • Metal toxicity is influenced by both concentration and chemical form.
  • Wastewater streams often contain toxic levels of metals like copper.
  • Constructed wetlands are engineered systems designed to treat wastewater.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a constructed wetland in reducing copper concentrations and toxicity.
  • To investigate copper partitioning and changes in its form within the wetland.
  • To identify reliable indicators of bioavailable copper in treated wastewater.

Main Methods:

  • Monitoring of copper concentrations (total-recoverable, acid-soluble, soluble) at wetland inflow and outflow.
  • Assessment of copper partitioning to ligands and changes in bioavailability.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Toxicity testing using Ceriodaphnia dubia survival and reproduction.
  • Measurement of acid volatile sulfides and simultaneously extractable metals.

    • Main Results:

    • Copper concentrations decreased significantly, with removal rates of 78% (total-recoverable), 85% (acid-soluble), and 83% (soluble).
    • Toxicity was eliminated, with Ceriodaphnia dubia survival increasing from 2% to 96% and reproduction increasing from 8 to 24 neonates/female.
    • Soluble copper concentration was a more accurate predictor of observed effects than total recoverable or acid-soluble copper.
    • Sufficient sulfides were present to sequester available metals (acid volatile sulfides to simultaneously extractable metals ratio of 1.4: 0.06).

    Conclusions:

    • The designed constructed wetland effectively reduced copper concentrations and eliminated associated toxicity.
    • Soluble copper measurements are superior indicators of bioavailable copper and potential toxicity.
    • Constructed wetlands offer a viable solution for treating copper-contaminated wastewater, with sulfide content playing a key role in metal sequestration.