Treatment of metal-chloride-enriched wastewater by simulated constructed wetlands

The ability of surface flow and subsurface flow simulated wetlands to remove heavy metals from a NaCI-enriched wastewater was examined, employing bulrush (Scirpus validus) and cattail (Typha angustifolia) plants, and two organically amended substrates (mixtures of mushroom compost and leaf litter,with topsoil) with a limestone liner. A simulated wastewater solution containing Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn as chloride salts was added to the wetlands at a rate of 0.3 l h(-1). During 12 weeks of surface flow, Fe was retained most efficiently (74%), and Mn the least (24%). Most metal retention occurred in residual forms, primarily in the upper 5 cm of the substrate. A subsequent 10 week subsurface flow treatment exhibited greater removal efficiencies for all metals, probably due to increased contact with the highly buffered lower substrate. During both treatments, bioaccumulation occurred in plants, but accounted for a very small portion of the total metal removal. Plant species did not significantly influence wetland performance with respect to metal retention. Substrate type did not affect removal efficiency for most metals, but did influence the forms of the metals retained in the wetland.