Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
Published on: May 2, 2025
Pilot-scale constructed wetlands for petroleum-contaminated groundwater
Marjorie E Bedessem1, Ari M Ferro, Trevor Hiegel
1Trihydro Corporation, 1252 Commerce Drive, Laramie, WY 82070, USA. mbedessem@trihydro.com
Abstract:
A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using constructed treatment wetlands to remediate recovered groundwater from the subsurface of a former refinery site. The pilot system consisted of four subsurface flow treatment cells operated in an upward vertical flow mode and equipped with subsurface aeration lines. The treatment system showed minimal capability for methyl-tert-butyl ether removal, but did effectively remove total petroleum hydrocarbons-deisel range organics and total benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-, m-, and p-xylenes (total BTEX). Effluent benzene concentrations were less than 0.05 mg/L in 70% of the samples from a treatment cell using subsurface aeration and a wetland sod amendment. Based on 1 year of operating data, cumulative mass removal approached 80% for benzene and 88% for total BTEX.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Scale-Up Processes
Bioremediation
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium

