Constructed Wetland System as Secondary Treatment for Stabilization Pond Domestic Effluent

Abstract

Alternatives for improving sewage management to avoid degradation and unnecessary waste of hydrological resources are a worldwide concern. Wastewater treatment by the constructed wetlands process using macrophytes is considered a robust system, due to its low cost and straightforward means of operation and repair. In this study, a horizontal flow constructed wetland system performance is evaluated. The system applied cattail as secondary treatment for a stabilization pond in a sewer treatment plant. Basically, these systems are based on channels filled with highly porous media, which detains high hydraulic conductance, providing the right support for macrophyte and biofilm growth. The horizontal flow constructed wetland revealed superior capacity and stability when removing COD, BOD, phosphorous and Escherichia coli. Also, cattail macrophyte developed in medium conditions where it was inserted. The results allowed a better comprehension about the phenomena associated to constructed wetlands pollutant removal capabilities.