title: A tracer study for assessing the interactions between hydraulic retention time and transport processes in a wetland system for nutrient removal.
abstract: In this study, a new-generation subsurface upflow wetland (SUW) system packed with the unique sorption media was introduced for nutrient removal. To explore the interface between hydraulic and environmental performance, a tracer study was carried out in concert with a transport model to collectively provide hydraulic retention time (7.1 days) and compelling evidence of pollutant fate and transport processes. Research findings indicate that our pollution-control media demonstrate smooth nutrient removal efficiencies across different sampling port locations given the appropriate size distribution conversant with the anticipated hydraulic patterns and layered structure among the sorption media components. The sizable capacity for nutrient removal in this bioprocess confirms that SUW is a promising substitute for an extension of traditional on-site wastewater treatment systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA. nchang@mail.ucf.edu
authors.forename: Ni-Bin
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Zhemin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xuan
authors.forename: Martin P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Wanielista
mesh_terms: D008954:Models, Biological; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D053833:Wetlands