Growth ofArundo donaxL. andCyperus alternifoliusL. in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland using pre-treated urban wastewater—a case study in Sicily (Italy)
- 24 May 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Elsevier BV in Desalination and Water Treatment
- Vol. 51 (40-42), 7447-7459
- https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2013.792134
Abstract
Constructed wetland systems for wastewater treatment represent an excellent opportunity for the recovery of water resources in those areas subject to prolonged periods of water shortage. This paper presents a study of the efficiency of a pilot horizontal subsurface flow system using pre-treated urban wastewater from a small town in the West of Sicily. The pilot system had a total surface area of 100 m2 with two units. Unit A was planted with Arundo donax L. and unit B with Cyperus alternifolius L. The HLR was 10 cm d−1. The main objectives of research were to evaluate the growth and biomass yield of two macrophytes and to determine the removal efficiency of physical–chemical and microbiological parameters. The results showed excellent organic pollutant removal (BOD5 70–72%, COD 61–67%), whilst macronutrient removal was found to be lower (TKN 47–50%, TP 43–45%). Pathogen load removal was found to be approximately 90%, but Escherichia coli concentrations at outflow were not within Italian legislative limits. Giant reed showed higher nitrogen content in the biomass (an average 28.9 ± 1.8 g m−2 year−1 and 63.8 ± 1.8 g m−2 year−1 for the aboveground and belowground parts, respectively) than umbrella sedge. The treated wastewater was used to irrigate parkland areas.Keywords
This publication has 31 references indexed in Scilit:
- Effects of wastewater irrigation on soil properties and turfgrass growthWater Science & Technology, 2011
- Comparative pilot study of the performances of two constructed wetland wastewater treatment hybrid systemsDesalination, 2009
- Growth and biomass production of different plant species in two different constructed wetland systems in SicilyDesalination, 2009
- Removal of total nitrogen by Cyperus alternifolius from wastewaters in simulated vertical-flow constructed wetlandsEcological Engineering, 2009
- Effects of reclaimed wastewater irrigation on soil and tomato fruits: A case study in Sicily (Italy)Agricultural Water Management, 2007
- Subsurface-horizontal flow constructed wetland for sewage treatment under Moroccan climate conditionsDesalination, 2007
- Biomass yield and energy balance of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) cropped in central Italy as related to different management practicesEuropean Journal of Agronomy, 2005
- Nutrient removal and plant biomass in a subsurface flow constructed wetland in Brisbane, AustraliaWater Science & Technology, 2003
- Nitrification and Denitrification in the Activated Sludge ProcessPublished by Wiley ,2002
- Do macrophytes play a role in constructed treatment wetlands?Water Science & Technology, 1997