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Related Experiment Videos

High performance constructed wetlands for cold climates.

Petter D Jenssen1, Trend Maehlum, Tore Krogstad

  • 1Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Agricultural University of Norway. petter.jenssen@itf.nlh.no

Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part A, Toxic/Hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering
|June 1, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Constructed wetlands offer effective domestic wastewater treatment in rural Norway, excelling in winter performance and requiring minimal maintenance. These systems achieve over 90% phosphorus removal and significant nitrogen and bacteria reduction.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Treatment Technologies
  • Wastewater Management

Background:

  • Subsurface flow constructed wetlands are increasingly popular for domestic wastewater treatment in rural Norway.
  • This method is favored for its excellent performance, even in winter, and low maintenance requirements.
  • Systems can be adapted to various site conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of Norwegian-concept constructed wetlands for domestic wastewater treatment.
  • To highlight the key components and performance metrics of these systems, particularly in cold climates.
  • To assess the removal efficiencies for phosphorus, nitrogen, and indicator bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • The Norwegian concept involves a septic tank followed by an aerobic vertical down-flow biofilter and a subsurface horizontal-flow constructed wetland.

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  • The aerobic biofilter is crucial for removing Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and achieving nitrification.
  • Phosphorus removal utilizes natural iron/calcium-rich sand or manufactured lightweight aggregates with high sorption capacities.

    • Main Results:

    • Consistent phosphorus removal exceeding 90% is achievable for at least 15 years.
    • Nitrogen removal rates range from 40% to 60%.
    • High removal of indicator bacteria is observed, typically achieving less than 1000 thermotolerant coliforms/100 ml.

    Conclusions:

    • The described constructed wetland system provides a robust and efficient solution for domestic wastewater treatment in cold climates.
    • The system's design, incorporating an aerobic biofilter, ensures effective treatment during periods of plant dormancy.
    • Treated media, once saturated with phosphorus, can be repurposed as a valuable soil conditioner and fertilizer.