Application of a constructed wetland for non-point source pollution control

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 585-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.M. Kao ◽  
J.Y. Wang ◽  
H.Y. Lee ◽  
C.K. Wen
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
Pollution Control ◽  
Pistia Stratiotes ◽  
Storm Event ◽  
Untreated Wastewater ◽  
Nps Pollution ◽  
Wetland System

In Taiwan, non-point source (NPS) pollution is one of the major causes of impairment of surface waters. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using constructed wetlands on NPS pollutant removal and water quality improvements. A field-scale constructed wetland system was built inside the campus of National Sun Yat-Sen University (located in southern Taiwan) to remove (1) NPS pollutants due to the stormwater runoff, and (2) part of the untreated wastewater from school drains. The constructed wetland was 40 m (L) × 30 m (W) × 1 m (D), which received approximately 85 m3 per day of untreated wastewater from school drainage pipes. The plants grown on the wetland included floating (Pistia stratiotes L.) and emergent (Phragmites communis L.) species. One major storm event and baseline water quality samples were analyzed during the monitoring period. Analytical results indicate that the constructed wetland removed a significant amount of NPS pollutants and wastewater constituents. More than 88% of nitrogen, 81% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 85% of heavy metals, and 60% of the total suspended solids (TSS) caused by the storm runoff were removed by the wetland system before discharging. Results from this study may be applied to the design of constructed wetlands for NPS pollution control and water quality improvement.

Using a constructed wetland for non-point source pollution control and river water quality purification: a case study in Taiwan

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 2549-2555 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Y. Wu ◽  
C. M. Kao ◽  
C. E. Lin ◽  
C. W. Chen ◽  
Y. C. Lai
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Point Source ◽  
River Water ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
River Water Quality ◽  
Water Quality Improvement ◽  
Wetland System

The Kaoping River Rail Bridge Constructed Wetland, which was commissioned in 2004, is one of the largest constructed wetlands in Taiwan. This multi-function wetland has been designed for the purposes of non-point source (NPS) pollutant removal, wastewater treatment, wildlife habitat, recreation, and education. The major influents of this wetland came from the local drainage trench containing domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters, and effluents from the wastewater treatment plant of a paper mill. Based on the quarterly investigation results from 2007 to 2009, more than 96% of total coliforms (TC), 48% of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and 40% of nutrients (e.g. total nitrogen, total phosphorus) were removed via the constructed wetland system. Thus, the wetland system has a significant effect on water quality improvement and is capable of removing most of the pollutants from the local drainage system before they are discharged into the downgradient water body. Other accomplishments of this constructed wetland system include the following: providing more green areas along the riversides, offering more water assessable eco-ponds and eco-gardens for the public, and rehabilitating the natural ecosystem. The Kaoping River Rail Bridge Constructed Wetland has become one of the most successful multi-function constructed wetlands in Taiwan. The experience obtained from this study will be helpful in designing similar natural treatment systems for river water quality improvement and wastewater treatment.

Constructed wetland for water quality improvement: a case study from Taiwan

2010 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
pp. 2408-2418 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Y. Wu ◽  
J. K. Liu ◽  
S. H. Cheng ◽  
D. E. Surampalli ◽  
C. W. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
Water Reuse ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Sediment Oxygen Demand ◽  
Nucleotide Sequence Analysis ◽  
Sediment Samples ◽  
Wetland System

In Taiwan, more than 20% of the major rivers are mildly to heavily polluted by domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastewaters due to the low percentage of sewers connected to wastewater treatment plants. Thus, constructed or engineered wetlands have been adopted as the major alternatives to clean up polluted rivers. Constructed wetlands are also applied as the tertiary wastewater treatment systems for the wastewater polishment to meet water reuse standards with lower operational costs. The studied Kaoping River Rail Bridge Constructed Wetland (KRRBCW) is the largest constructed wetland in Taiwan. It is a multi-function wetland and is used for polluted creek water purification and secondary wastewater polishment before it is discharged into the Kaoping River. Although constructed wetlands are feasible for contaminated water treatment, wetland sediments are usually the sinks for organics and metals. In this study, water and sediment samples were collected from the major wetland basins in KRRBCW. The investigation results show that more than 97% of total coliforms (TC), 55% of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and 30% of nutrients [e.g. total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP)] were removed via the constructed wetland system. However, results from the sediment analyses show that wetland sediments contained high concentrations of metals (e.g. Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr, and Mn), organic contents (sediment oxygen demand = 1.7 to 7.6 g O2/m2 d), and nutrients (up to 18.7 g/kg of TN and 1.22 g/kg of TN). Thus, sediments should be excavated periodically to prevent the release the pollutants into the wetland system and causing the deterioration of wetland water quality. Results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and nucleotide sequence analysis reveal that a variation in microbial diversity in the wetland systems was observed. Results from the DGGE analysis indicate that all sediment samples contained significant amounts of microbial ribospecies, which might contribute to the carbon degradation and nitrogen removal. Gradual disappearance of E. coli was also observed along the flow courses through natural attenuation mechanisms.

Non-point source pesticide removal by a mountainous wetland

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 199-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.M. Kao ◽  
J.Y. Wang ◽  
K.F. Chen ◽  
H.Y. Lee ◽  
M.J. Wu
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Storm Events ◽  
Agricultural Lands ◽  
Pesticide Removal ◽  
Nps Pollution ◽  
Natural Wetlands ◽  
Wetland System ◽  
Water Quality Deterioration

Non-point source (NPS) pollution is believed to be one of the major causes of impairment of water bodies. Among NPS pollution, agricultural NPS pollution is considered to be the largest single category resulting in water quality deterioration. Pesticides are some the most ubiquitous of these agricultural NPS pollutants. In this study, a mountainous wetland was selected to investigate the effects of the natural wetland system on the NPS pesticide (atrazine) removal to maintain the surface water quality. The selected wetland receives water from two unnamed creeks, which drain primarily upgradient agricultural lands. Wetland investigation and monitoring were conducted from November 1999 to March 2001. Major storm events and baseline water quality samples were analyzed. Field results indicate that the wetland was able to remove NPS atrazine flushed from the upgradient agricultural lands after the occurrence of storm events. Laboratory aerobic and anaerobic bioreactor experiments were conducted to evaluate the biodegradation of atrazine under the intrinsic conditions of the wetland system. Microbial enumeration was conducted for a quick screen of bacterial activity in the studied wetland. Results from the study suggest that the methanogenesis process was possibly the dominant biodegradation pattern, and atrazine can be degraded under reductive dechlorinating conditions when sufficient intrinsic organic matter was provided. Results from this study can provide us with further knowledge on pesticide removal mechanisms in natural wetlands and evaluate the role of wetlands in controlling pesticide pollutants from stormwater runoff.

Control of non-point source pollution by a natural wetland

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Kao ◽  
M. J. Wu
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Storm Event ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Natural Wetland ◽  
Sediment Accretion ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
N Removal

Wetland creation and restoration is a reliable and efficient technology for the remediation of contaminated water. Knowledge from the natural wetland systems would be necessary to enhance the operational efficiency of constructed wetlands. In this study, a mountainous wetland located in McDowell County, North Carolina, USA was selected to demonstrate the effects of the natural filtration and restoration system on the maintenance of surface water quality. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) for the wetland was 10.5 days based on the results from a dye release study. Water quality monitoring of the wetland was conducted from May to August 1997. One major storm event and baseline water quality samples were collected and analyzed. Analytical results indicate that this wetland removed a significant amount of non-point source (NPS) pollutants [more than 80% N removal, 91% of total suspended solid removal, 59% of total phosphorus removal, and 66% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal] caused by the studied storm event. Sediment accretion monitoring results indicate that the accretion rate in the wetland was only 4 mm/year. Therefore, the wetland would require 100 years to fill at the measured sediment accretion rate. The high organic content of sediments (16%) indicates that the wetland is building the characteristic organic layer on the bottom of the wetland. Results from this study would be very useful in the maintenance of natural wetlands and design of constructed wetlands for water treatment.

scholarly journals EFFICACY OF PHRAGMITE KARKA PLANT IN CONSTRUCTED WETLAND SYSTEM

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (9SE) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Shalini Saxena
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
Flood Control ◽  
Water Quality Improvement ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wetland Treatment ◽  
Natural Wetlands ◽  
Wetland System

Wetlands, either constructed or natural, offer a cheaper and low-cost alternative technology for wastewater treatment. A constructed wetland system that is specifically engineered for water quality improvement as a primary purpose is termed as a ‘Constructed Wetland Treatment System’ (CWTS). In the past, many such systems were constructed to treat low volumes of wastewater loaded with easily degradable organic matter for isolated populations in urban areas. However, widespread demand for improved receiving water quality, and water reclamation and reuse, is currently the driving force for the implementation of CWTS all over the world. Recent concerns over wetland losses have generated a need for the creation of wetlands, which are intended to emulate the functions and values of natural wetlands that have been destroyed. Natural characteristics are applied to CWTS with emergent macrophyte stands that duplicate the physical, chemical and biological processes of natural wetland systems. The number of CWTS in use has very much increased in the past few years. The use of constructed wetlands is gaining rapid interest. Most of these systems cater for tertiary treatment from towns and cities. They are larger in size, usually using surface-flow system to remove low concentration of nutrient (N and P) and suspended solids. However, in some countries, these constructed wetland treatment systems are usually used to provide secondary treatment of domestic sewage for village populations. These constructed wetland systems have been seen as an economically attractive, energy-efficient way of providing high standards of wastewater treatment by the help of Phragmite karka plant. Typically, wetlands are constructed for one or more of four primary purposes: creation of habitat to compensate for natural wetlands converted for agriculture and urban development, water quality improvement, flood control, and production of food and fiber.

Study on Control of Water Quality of Poyang Lake

2014 ◽  
Vol 522-524 ◽  
pp. 979-982
Author(s):  
Chuan Bao Wu ◽  
Xiang Hui Zeng
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Poyang Lake ◽  
Low Impact Development ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Jiangxi Province ◽  
Water Quality Control ◽  
Nps Pollution

Water quality of Poyang Lake is facing serious threats with the quick development of Jiangxi Province. Water quality control and pollution prevention of Poyang Lake have become important problems set before Jiangxi Province. To keep good water quality of Poyang Lake, a series of pollution-preventing strategies were studied. In order to prevent point source (PS) pollution, industrial types and layout, management measures and production technique should be improved. Strategies to prevent non-point source (NPS) pollution include four aspects. First is to transform part of NPS pollution to PS pollution by rationally laying out industry system. Second is to construct spatially harmonious and reasonable landscape pattern. Third is to reform conventional agricultural production by using advanced chemical and biological technologies. Fourth is to carry out Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Low-impact Development (LID) by learning and innovation.

Application of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in Nepal

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 381-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.R. Shrestha ◽  
R. Haberl ◽  
J. Laber ◽  
R. Manandhar ◽  
J. Mader
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
River System ◽  
Present Condition ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Untreated Wastewater ◽  
Under Construction

Surface water pollution is one of the serious environmental problems in urban centers in Nepal due to the discharge of untreated wastewater into the river-system, turning them into open sewers. Wastewater treatment plants are almost non-existent in the country except for a few in the Kathmandu Valley and even these are not functioning well. Successful implementation of a few constructed wetland systems within the past three years has attracted attention to this promising technology. A two-staged subsurface flow constructed wetland for hospital wastewater treatment and constructed wetlands for treatment of greywater and septage is now becoming a demonstration site of constructed wetland systems in Nepal. Beside these systems, five constructed wetlands have already been designed and some are under construction for the treatment of leachate and septage in Pokhara municipality, wastewater in Kathmandu University, two hospitals and a school. This paper discusses the present condition and treatment performance of constructed wetlands that are now in operation. Furthermore, the concept of the treatment wetlands under construction is also described here. With the present experience, several recommendations are pointed out for the promotion of this technology in the developing countries.

Preliminary identification of watershed management strategies for the Houjing river in Taiwan

2010 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 1667-1675 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. Lin ◽  
C. M. Kao ◽  
C. J. Jou ◽  
Y. C. Lai ◽  
C. Y. Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Watershed Management ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Pollution Control ◽  
Point Source Pollution ◽  
Land Use Patterns ◽  
River Watershed ◽  
Use Patterns

The Houjing River watershed is one of the three major river watersheds in the Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Based on the recent water quality analysis, the Houjing River is heavily polluted. Both point and non-point source (NPS) pollutants are the major causes of the poor water quality in the Houjing River. Investigation results demonstrate that the main point pollution sources included municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters. In this study, land use identification in the Houjing River watershed was performed by integrating the skills of geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS). Results show that the major land-use patterns in the upper catchment of the Houjing River watershed were farmlands, and land-use patterns in the mid to lower catchment were residential and industrial areas. An integrated watershed management model (IWMM) and Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2K) were applied for the hydrology and water quality modeling, watershed management, and carrying capacity calculation. Modeling results show that the calculated NH3-N carrying capacity of the Houjing River was only 31 kg/day. Thus, more than 10,518 kg/day of NH3-N needs to be reduced to meet the proposed water quality standard (0.3 mg/L). To improve the river water quality, the following remedial strategies have been developed to minimize the impacts of NPS and point source pollution on the river water quality: (1) application of BMPs [e.g. source (fertilizer) reduction, construction of grassy buffer zone, and land use management] for NPS pollution control; (2) application of river management scenarios (e.g. construction of the intercepting and sewer systems) for point source pollution control; (3) institutional control (enforcement of the industrial wastewater discharge standards), and (4) application of on-site wastewater treatment systems for the polishment of treated wastewater for water reuse.

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