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Published on: May 15, 2017
Behavior of selected pharmaceuticals in subsurface flow constructed wetlands: a pilot-scale study
Victor Matamoros1, Joan García, Josep M Bayona
1Department of Environmental Chemistry, IIQAB-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
Environmental Science & Technology
|August 9, 2005
Summary
Subsurface flow constructed wetlands effectively remove pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen. Deeper wetlands showed lower ibuprofen removal due to a more anaerobic environment, suggesting optimal design is crucial for contaminant treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Contaminant Hydrology
Background:
- Subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SSFs) offer a cost-effective wastewater treatment solution for small communities.
- Limited data exists on the removal of specific pharmaceutical contaminants in SSFs.
- Understanding pharmaceutical behavior is crucial for optimizing SSF performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the removal efficiency and behavior of three pharmaceuticals (clofibric acid, ibuprofen, carbamazepine) in pilot SSFs.
- To evaluate the influence of water depth on pharmaceutical removal within SSFs.
- To assess the suitability of clofibric acid as a hydraulic tracer in SSFs.
Main Methods:
- Two pilot SSFs planted with Phragmites australis and differing in water depth (0.3m and 0.5m) were used.
- Three pharmaceuticals and bromide were continuously injected and effluent concentrations monitored.
- Hydraulic parameters were assessed using bromide as a tracer, comparing it with pharmaceutical behavior.
Main Results:
- Carbamazepine exhibited higher sorption to the gravel bed compared to bromide and clofibric acid.
- Clofibric acid behaved similarly to bromide, indicating minimal sorption and potential as a hydraulic tracer.
- Ibuprofen removal was significantly higher in the shallow SSF (81%) than the deep SSF (48%).
Conclusions:
- Water depth significantly impacts pharmaceutical removal efficiency in SSFs, with shallower systems potentially offering better ibuprofen removal.
- The differing sorption behaviors of pharmaceuticals highlight the need for tailored SSF designs for specific contaminant removal.
- Clofibric acid shows promise as a reliable hydraulic tracer for SSF systems due to its conservative behavior.
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