Fractional analysis of arsenic in subsurface-flow constructed wetlands with different length to depth ratios.
Arsenic (As) removal in subsurface-flow constructed wetlands (CW) planting with vetiver grasses was experimented by comparing between two different configurations; (i) deep-bed units (dpCW) with length to depth (L:D) ratio=2 and (ii) shallow-bed units (shCW) with L:D ratio=8; operating at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 9, and 12 days. The tracer study of CW units revealed that no effect of L:D ratio on dispersion number could be determined, but affecting to the effective volume ratio. Based on the data obtained from the pilot-scale experiments of CW units for 117 days, it is apparent that the dpCW could achieve relatively high As removals (52.9%, 59.2%, and 72.1% at HRT of 6, 9, and 12 days, respectively). Analysis of As mass balance showed that only 0.2-0.4% of As input was uptaken by vetiver grasses whereas the major portion was retained in the CW media (38.9-77.6%). Forms of the retained As was determined by sequential fractionation which could indicate As complexation with iron and manganese on the media surface of 31-38% and As trapping into the media of 42-52% of the total. No obvious difference of As fractions in bed of between dpCW and shCW units was observable.
Singhakant
C
C
School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang Pathumthani 12120, Thailand. Chatchawal.singhakant@ait.ac.th
Koottatep
T
T
Satayavivad
J
J
D001151:Arsenic / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000517:prevention & control; D053833:Wetlands
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D001151:Arsenic