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Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
Published on: May 2, 2025
Identification and modelling the HRT distribution in subsurface constructed wetland
Lijuan Cui1, Yan Zhang, Manyin Zhang
1Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China. lkyclj@126.com
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|October 16, 2012
Summary
This study analyzed the hydrodynamics of a horizontal subsurface constructed wetland (HSSF-CW). Shorter hydraulic residence times negatively impacted pollutant removal efficiency, highlighting the importance of optimizing wetland design for better treatment performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Wetland Systems
Background:
- Constructed wetlands are crucial for wastewater treatment.
- Understanding hydrodynamics is key to optimizing HSSF-CW performance.
- Iris tectorum's impact on HSSF-CW hydrodynamics requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the hydrodynamics of a horizontal subsurface constructed wetland (HSSF-CW) in Beijing.
- To assess the influence of Iris tectorum growth on HSSF-CW hydrodynamic behavior.
- To simulate hydraulic residence time distribution and evaluate treatment performance.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical modeling was used to simulate hydraulic residence time distribution.
- Area-based removal rates of various pollutants were calculated.
- The asymmetric double sigmoidal (asym2sig) model was employed for residence time distribution analysis.
Main Results:
- Water depth negatively affects Iris tectorum growth; high hydraulic loading rates hinder plant development.
- Shorter actual hydraulic residence time (10.16 hours) than theoretical (12.81 hours) led to reduced pollutant removal efficiencies.
- The asym2sig model provided a reasonable fit for predicting residence time distribution.
Conclusions:
- Hydrodynamic behavior significantly influences HSSF-CW treatment efficiency.
- Optimizing hydraulic residence time is critical for maximizing pollutant removal in HSSF-CWs.
- The asym2sig model is a suitable tool for characterizing HSSF-CW hydrodynamics.
