Investigation of bacterial removal during the filtration process in constructed wetlands.
In this study, bacterial removal efficiencies of planted and unplanted subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands are compared. Indicator organisms such as faecal coliforms (Escherichia coli, total coliforms) and enterococci, and a number of heterotrophic bacteria (heterotrophic plate counts) have been analysed from the influent and effluent of the constructed wetlands as well as at different depths (water and substrate samples). Furthermore dry matter content and total organic carbon (TOC) have been analysed and correlated. The investigated systems show a high removal rate for indicator organisms (a log removal rate of 2.85 for HPC, 4.35 for E. coli, 4.31 for total coliforms and 4.80 for enterococci was observed). In general no significant difference in the removal efficiency of planted and unplanted vertical flow beds could be measured. Only enterococci measured in the substrate samples of the main layer of the filter could a statistically significant difference be observed.
Sleytr
Kirsten
K
Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control, BOKU, University of Natural, Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria. kirsten.sleytr@boku.ac.at
Tietz
Alexandra
A
Langergraber
Günter
G
Haberl
Raimund
R
D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D005374:Filtration; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014872:Water Movements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D053833:Wetlands
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical