Organic micropollutant removal in a full-scale surface flow constructed wetland fed with secondary effluent.
The mass emission rate of 12 pollutants from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) secondary effluent into a small tributary of the River Besòs (northeastern Spain) was determined. The pollutants tested included pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and herbicides. Furthermore, a 1-ha surface flow constructed wetland (SFCW) was evaluated for pollution removal. Whereas the low concentration values (ngL(-1)) of PPCP discharge into the tributary was comparable to inter- and intra-campaigns, herbicides and a veterinary drug (flunixin) exhibited a high variability in concentrations (microgL(-1)). Moreover, removal efficiencies were often higher than 90% for all compounds, with the exception of carbamazepine and clofibric acid (ca. 30-47%). As expected, a seasonal trend of pollutant removal in the wetland was observed for compounds with low biodegradation and moderate photodegradation rates (i.e. naproxen and diclofenac).
Matamoros
Víctor
V
Department of Environmental Chemistry, IIQAB-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
García
Joan
J
Bayona
Josep M
JM
D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006540:Herbicides / Q000032:analysis*; D010476:Perfume / Q000032:analysis*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D045483:Rivers; D013030:Spain; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods; D053833:Wetlands