The benefits of using constructed wetlands to treat water contaminated with emerging pollutants: The case study of the Werk Tanne wetland, which was designed to degrade trinitrotoluene
This case study presents a comprehensive assessment of a constructed wetland (CW) treating trinitrotoluene (TNT)-contaminated leachate at the former explosives' facility, Werk Tanne, located in the Harz mountains, Germany. Water, sediment and plant samples were collected regularly over the course of a year and examined for elemental composition, microbiome, nutrients and TNT concentration. Native plant species established alongside the planted Phragmites australis. Furthermore, signs of nutrient deficiencies were identified, which limited the bioremediation efficiency within the basin. The main reason was found to be suboptimal design of the upstream tanks. A first overview of the microbiome indicates that the community shows pronounced seasonal turnover and a redox gradient from the entry of the CW till the outlet. Results provide the basis for improving the conditions for the degrading microorganisms. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of CW in challenging environments. It also indicates that bioremediation can be an effective alternative to conventional methods at munitions-contaminated sites. Furthermore, it highlights the opportunities of adapting nature-based solutions to different environmental conditions.
This case study presents a comprehensive assessment of a constructed wetland (CW) treating trinitrotoluene (TNT)-contaminated leachate at the former explosives' facility, Werk Tanne, located in the Harz mountains, Germany. Water, sediment and plant samples were collected regularly over the course of a year and examined for elemental composition, microbiome, nutrients and TNT concentration. Native plant species established alongside the planted Phragmites australis. Furthermore, signs of nutrient deficiencies were identified, which limited the bioremediation efficiency within the basin. The main reason was found to be suboptimal design of the upstream tanks. A first overview of the microbiome indicates that the community shows pronounced seasonal turnover and a redox gradient from the entry of the CW till the outlet. Results provide the basis for improving the conditions for the degrading microorganisms. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of CW in challenging environments. It also indicates that bioremediation can be an effective alternative to conventional methods at munitions-contaminated sites. Furthermore, it highlights the opportunities of adapting nature-based solutions to different environmental conditions.