Enhancement of nitrification in submerged flow constructed wetlands
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Abstract
Four laboratory-scale, submerged flow constructed wetland (SFCW) mesocosms (Juncus effesus) were used to evaluate methods of increasing oxygenation within the wetlands to enhance nitrogen removal from applied wastewaters. The SFCW containing a naturally aerated pool had the highest total nitrogen (TN) removal (90 percent) and lowest effluent TN concentration (3.5 mg/L). Lowest TN removals (15 percent) were obtained from a wetland containing a mechanically aerated pool. Nitrification of ammonia was achieved but low organic carbon levels inhibited denitrification, resulting in high levels of nitrate in the effluent. Juncus effesus preferred ammonia to nitrate and grew poorly in waters dominated by nitrate. Providing a naturally aerated pool within a SFCW appears to be an economical method of increasing oxygenation in constructed wetlands treating wastewater.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Missouri Water Center under the Grant/Cooperative Agreement.
The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey or Missouri Water Center. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey or Missouri Water Center.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Missouri Water Center under the Grant/Cooperative Agreement.
The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey or Missouri Water Center. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey or Missouri Water Center.