Temporal effects on orhophosphate removal from municipal wastewater in a subsurface-flow constructed wetland

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Authors

Womack, Michael

Advisor

Brown, Hugh J. (Hugh Joseph)

Issue Date

1996

Keyword

Degree

Thesis (M.S.)

Department

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Other Identifiers

Abstract

Orthophosphate removal from wastewater in a subsurface-flow constructed wetland (SFCW) was studied during the fall of 1995. The SFCW consisted of a cell with an impervious liner, filled with 1.27 to 3.81 cm river rock and planted with common reeds (Phragmites australis) and soft-stem bulrushes (Scirpus validus). Municipal wastewater was pumped through the wetland and comparisons were made between inlet and outlet orthophosphate concentrations. Comparisons were also made at locations within the cell. A mean orthophosphate reduction of 62% with a range of 91% to 32% was observed for the duration of the study. An ANOVA test showed a significant reduction of orthophosphate in the wetland cell during the study. A regression analysis indicated that inlet wastewater temperatures played a significant role in orthophosphate removal, while outlet wastewater and ambient air temperature were not a significant factor.Keywords: Subsurface-Flow Constructed Wetlands, Orthophosphate, Municipal Wastewater, Water Chemistry, Nutrients.

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