Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
08:24
Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
Published on: May 2, 2025
1.0K
Biotic phase micropollutant distribution in horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands
Bruce Petrie1, Shawn Rood2, Benjamin D Smith3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Water Innovation & Research Centre (WIRC), University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, UK.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 2, 2018
Summary
Horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands effectively remove micropollutants. Biodegradation is the primary removal mechanism, though sludge partitioning and plant uptake also play roles in micropollutant removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Micropollutants, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are increasingly detected in aquatic environments.
- Constructed wetlands are a promising technology for tertiary wastewater treatment.
- Understanding micropollutant fate in constructed wetlands is crucial for effective water management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and fate of diverse micropollutants in horizontal sub-surface flow (HSSF) constructed wetlands.
- To assess the removal efficiency and transformation of micropollutants during tertiary wastewater treatment.
- To identify the primary mechanisms responsible for micropollutant removal in HSSF systems.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of 88 micropollutants in full-scale HSSF steel slag and gravel beds.
- Analysis of micropollutant concentrations in influent, effluent, sludge, and plant tissues.
- Assessment of treatment efficiency, including removal rates and stereoselective changes.
- Evaluation of micropollutant partitioning into sludge and uptake by Phragmites australis.
Main Results:
- 54 out of 88 monitored micropollutants were detected in treated wastewater, with removal efficiencies ranging from -112% to 98%.
- Stereo-selective removal was observed for chiral micropollutants like MDMA and atenolol.
- Micropollutants were found in sludge, with methylparaben, sertraline, fluoxetine, and desmethylcitalopram showing significant accumulation.
- While Phragmites australis showed uptake and metabolism of some recalcitrant compounds, this did not significantly contribute to overall removal at the studied hydraulic retention time.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradation is the dominant mechanism for micropollutant removal in HSSF constructed wetlands.
- Sludge partitioning and plant uptake contribute to micropollutant removal, but to a lesser extent than biodegradation.
- HSSF constructed wetlands demonstrate significant potential for removing a wide range of micropollutants from wastewater.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Construction of Frequency Distribution
12.9K
A frequency distribution table can be constructed using the steps given below.
First, make a table with two columns—one with the title of the data that needs to be organized, and the other column for frequency. [Draw a third column for tally marks if needed]. Then, take a look at the items given in the data set and decide if an ungrouped frequency distribution table or a grouped frequency distribution table would be more suitable. If there are large sets of different values, then it is...
First, make a table with two columns—one with the title of the data that needs to be organized, and the other column for frequency. [Draw a third column for tally marks if needed]. Then, take a look at the items given in the data set and decide if an ungrouped frequency distribution table or a grouped frequency distribution table would be more suitable. If there are large sets of different values, then it is...
12.9K
01:17Power Distribution in Three-phase and Single Phase Circuits
662
Power distribution within electrical circuits is a foundational aspect of residential and industrial energy systems. While single-phase power is common in residential settings, three-phase power is the standard for industrial environments with heavy machinery. Each system is different and has advantages, and it's crucial to understand the underlying principles of power distribution and material efficiency.
Single-Phase Power Distribution:
Single-phase circuits are typical in household settings;...
Single-Phase Power Distribution:
Single-phase circuits are typical in household settings;...
662
01:27Horizontal Gene Transfer
2.3K
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a process where genetic material moves between organisms within the same generation, unlike vertical gene transfer, which occurs from parent to offspring. HGT plays a crucial role in microbial evolution, adaptation, and survival, particularly in shared environments like the human gut.Mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, prophages, integrons, insertion sequences, and transposons facilitate this process. HGT occurs through three primary mechanisms:...
2.3K
01:19Introduction to Horizontal Curves
757
Horizontal curves are essential in highway and railroad design, ensuring smooth and safe transitions between straight path segments, or tangents. These curves allow vehicles to maintain speed without abrupt changes, minimizing accidents and improving travel efficiency.A horizontal curve is typically defined by its geometric relationship to two tangents that meet at an intersection point (P.I.), where a simple curve is introduced to connect them. The back tangent refers to the initial tangent...
757
01:03Horizontal Curve: Problem Solving
421
A horizontal curve is characterized by its radius, intersection angle, and stationing of key points. In this case, the radius is 400 meters, and the angle of intersection is 30 degrees, with the station of the point of curvature (P.C.) at 0 + 150 meters. The goal is to determine the station values at the point of intersection (P.I.), point of tangency (P.T.), and midpoint of the curve, as well as the length of the long chord.The process begins with calculating the tangent distance (T) and the...
421
02:31Phase Transitions
23.3K
Whether solid, liquid, or gas, a substance's state depends on the order and arrangement of its particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). Particles in the solid pack closely together, generally in a pattern. The particles vibrate about their fixed positions but do not move or squeeze past their neighbors. In liquids, although the particles are closely spaced, they are randomly arranged. The position of the particles are not fixed—that is, they are free to move past their neighbors to...
23.3K