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Aeration intensity simulation in a saturated vertical up-flow constructed wetland
Yasinta John1, Guenter Langergraber2, Tanveer M Adyel3
1Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing 400045, China.
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 30, 2019
Summary
This study shows that continuous aeration in saturated vertical up-flow constructed wetlands effectively removes over 85% of pollutants like chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen. The CWM1 model accurately simulates these processes, aiding in wetland design.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Ecological Engineering
Background:
- Constructed wetlands are effective for wastewater treatment.
- Saturated vertical up-flow (SVU) systems offer enhanced treatment efficiency.
- Continuous aeration (CA) can further optimize SVU wetland performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a saturated vertical up-flow constructed wetland (SVU CW) under continuous aeration (CA).
- To simulate the SVU CW using the HYDRUS Wetland Module and the CWM1 biokinetic model.
- To assess the impact of aeration intensity on pollutant removal and microbial activity.
Main Methods:
- Operated two SVU CW systems planted with Cyperus alternifolius and Iris pseudacorus.
- Utilized continuous aeration with varying air-water ratios (0.5:1 to 4:1).
- Simulated the system using the HYDRUS Wetland Module with the CWM1 biokinetic model.
Main Results:
- Achieved >85% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP).
- Aeration intensity was found to control bacterial distribution and organic matter/nitrogen removal in the top 30 cm.
- The CWM1 model showed a good match with observed data (RMSE for COD/NH4+-N >1.5, R2 >0.99).
Conclusions:
- Continuous aeration significantly enhances pollutant removal in SVU CWs.
- The CWM1 model is a reliable tool for simulating processes and bacterial dynamics in aerated SVU CWs.
- Optimized aeration is key to efficient wastewater treatment in these systems.
