Removal of pharmaceuticals in microcosm constructed wetlands using Typha spp. and LECA.
Microcosm constructed wetlands systems established with a matrix of light expanded clay aggregates (LECA) and planted with Typha spp. were used to evaluate their ability to remove pharmaceuticals ibuprofen, carbamazepine and clofibric acid from wastewaters. Seasonal variability of these systems' performances was also evaluated. Overall, removal efficiencies of 96%, 97% and 75% for ibuprofen, carbamazepine and clofibric acid, respectively, were achieved under summer conditions after a retention time of 7 days. In winter, a maximum loss of 26% in removal efficiency was observed for clofibric acid. Removal kinetics was characterized by a fast initial step (>50% removal within 6h) mainly due to adsorption on LECA but, on a larger timescale, plants also contributed significantly to the system's performance. Despite the fact that further tests using larger-scale systems are required, this study points to the possible application of these low-cost wastewater treatment systems for dealing with pharmaceuticals contaminated wastewater.
Chemistry Department, University of Evora, Evora, Portugal. avbd@uevora.pt
Ana
A
Dordio
A J Palace
AJ
Carvalho
Dora Martins
DM
Teixeira
Cristina Barrocas
CB
Dias
Ana Paula
AP
Pinto
D000327:Adsorption; D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000077215:Clay; D002995:Clofibric Acid / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007220:Industrial Waste; D007700:Kinetics; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013997:Time Factors; D032401:Typhaceae / Q000378:metabolism*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D053833:Wetlands
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D007220:Industrial Waste; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002220:Carbamazepine; D002995:Clofibric Acid; D000077215:Clay; D007052:Ibuprofen