Sediment retention in constructed wetland ponds--a laboratory study

Laboratory experiments on sediment removal and particle settlement were conducted in a hydraulic laboratory model scaled 1:1 to study processes and mechanisms governing sediment transport under well defined and reproducible conditions. Parameters governing particle settling were varied and their effect studied ceteris paribus. These governing parameters were flow velocity, TSS input concentration, presence of plants, vegetation density, and the presence of wind. Changes in sediment removal due to different parameters were analyzed by means of deposition curves in main flow direction. We found that particle settling is enhanced by increased inflow concentrations of suspended solids in the absence of plant stems (substance used: kaolin), whereas deposition is reduced by wind shear. The presence of plant stems strengthens vertical mixing and, consequently, does not generally result in enhanced deposition of suspended solids. Higher plant densities tend to be associated with lower settling rates. The effect of flow velocity on particle settling is small for the present experimental set-up.