RESUMO

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are a cost-effective ecological engineering tool for the restoration of polluted water bodies. The aims of this work were to evaluate the removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) by FTWs using Typha domingensis, and to assess Cr accumulation and distribution in plant tissues and sediment. Treatments were 5 and 10 mg L-1 of Cr(III), and 5 and 10 mg L-1 of Cr(VI), with and without FTWs, and biological control (BC) with FTW without Cr addition. Both Cr species were efficiently removed from water in all treatments (Cr removal > 80%). Cr concentration in sediments of treatment without FTWs was significantly higher than in sediments of treatments with FTWs, indicating that T. domingensis was directly involved in Cr removal. In sediment, Cr was mainly bound to the organic matter in all treatments with a low risk of future release under FTW conditions. T. domingensis demonstrated tolerance to both Cr species at 5 and 10 mg L-1 with Cr accumulated mainly in the roots in all treatments. The use of FTWs planted with T. domingensis is a suitable tool to remediate water bodies contaminated with Cr.

This study evaluates the removal efficiency of Cr(III) and Cr(V) in Floating Treatment Wetlands planted with Typha domingensis in greenhouse experiments. Cr accumulation and distribution in plant tissues and different sediment fractions were also assessed.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Laundry greywater is considered as an alternative source of non-potable water, as it is discharged in approximately 70% of homes. Because this water contains compounds such as biodegradable and recalcitrant organic matter, surfactants, and microbiological compounds, it must be treated prior to reuse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the behavior of organic matter and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in greywater treated by a constructed wetland (CW). The results show that the organic matter removal efficiencies were 67.19%, 50.15%, and 63.57% for biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC), respectively; these efficiencies were not significant (p > 0.05). In addition, the CW allows the distribution of TOC and ionic compounds in the fractions below 1000 Da to increase by 5.03% and 13.05%, respectively. Meanwhile, the treatment of microbiological compounds generated non-significant removals (p > 0.05), along with increases in bacteria resistant to the antibiotics ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CTX) of 36.34%, and 40.79%, respectively. In addition, a strong association between ARB to CIP, CTX, cationic and non-ionic surfactants was determined, indicating the role of surfactants in ARB selection. It is suggested that disinfection systems should be employed prior to the reuse of the treated water.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Constructed wetlands are environmental solutions that mitigate the impacts of urban effluents. It is unclear how the performance of these wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is affected by climatic conditions. The dissipation of nutrients, suspended solids, and changes in dissolved oxygen were investigated on a monthly basis over two years (2018/2019) at six sampling points across a WWTP located in Esquel, Patagonia. It was predicted that climatic variables (rain pattern and air temperature) would affect the functioning and efficiency of the WWTP (i.e., via nutrient load mitigation and sediment retention). Rainfall and temporal patterns differed markedly between and throughout the two years, leading to a clear seasonality in the transformation of pollutants. Nitrate loads were significantly higher in 2018 than in 2019 suggesting some degree of operational failure, whereas ammonia levels in treated effluents were extremely high during both years, with marked peaks occurring during autumn 2018 and summer 2019. The WWTP was moderately successful (~36%) in reducing TSS contents during 2018 but was inefficient in 2019. Ammonia levels in receiving waters underwent dilution due to rains rather than due to adequate WWTP nutrient retention. In terms of nutrients, effluent values exceeded those established by governmental regulation during most months, but worsened during summer coinciding with low flows. This lack of predictability for the values of the treated effluent strongly jeopardizes the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the receiving stream.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Due to dissolved oxygen (DO) limited nitrogen removal efficiency in constructed wetlands (CWs), two representative oxygen-suppling CWs, i.e., tidal flow constructed wetlands (TFCWs) and intermittently aerated constructed wetlands (IACWs) were proposed to compare the effect of oxygen supply strategies on the nitrogen removal performance and mechanism. Results showed that the removal efficiencies of NH4+-N and COD in IACWs were as high as 90.35-97.14% and 91.14-92.44%, respectively. In terms of TN, TFCWs (83.82%) showed a significantly higher removal efficiency than IACWs, and this result was derived with the flooded/drained phase (FP/DP) ratio of 21 h:3 h in TFCWs, because rhythmic FP and DP formed a high oxygen gradient at different depths of the system, which intensified the nitrification and denitrification simultaneously. The potential nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria (e.g., Nitrospira, Azospira, Haliangium, Bradyrhizobium and Arenimonas) were enriched more significantly in TFCWs compared with IACWs, as well as Bacillus for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, which promoted nitrogen transformation together. Also, the results of molecular ecological network analysis showed that bacterial community structure in IACWs was more complex and robust than in TFCWs, because there were obviously more nodes and links as well as a higher proportion of negative interference. However, the relationship between genera in TFCWs was closer depending on shorter path distances, and the keystone genus (Nitrosomonas) in related to nitrification was considered to play an important role in nitrogen transformation performance.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This paper describes the results that have been obtained in a real case study of a hybrid constructed wetlands system, which has been in continuous operation for over 11 years. The main aim of the study was to understand the long-term operation and efficiency of the system (which is situated in the municipality of Santa Lucía, Gran Canaria, Spain), which comprises two vertical-flow and one horizontal-flow constructed wetlands for the treatment of urban wastewater. The system, which was originally designed to treat a flow rate of 12.5 m3/day, with a load of 100 equivalent inhabitants, has been operating since its inauguration (July 2008), with a flow rate of almost 35 m3/day and a load of 400 equivalent inhabitants. Despite this, the mean total removal efficiencies during the study period (2014-2019) are optimal for a system of these characteristics, as follows: 92% for 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), 89% for the chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 97% for the total suspended solids (TSS). The system efficiency, with respect to nutrient removal, was somewhat lower, resulting in 48% for total N and 35% for NH4. It has been confirmed with this study that this type of system is an appropriate, robust, resilient nature-based solution for the treatment of the wastewater that is generated in small communities, especially in zones with a warm climate, stable mean temperatures, and mild winters.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term phosphorus (P) retention in a pilot-scale system made of four horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. Each wetland had an area of 4.5 m2 and was operated for nearly 8 years (2833 days). Two wetlands with Schoenoplectus californicus (HSSF-Sch) and the other two with Phragmites australis (HSSF-Phr) were planted. The P removal efficiency was 18% for both types of HSSF wetlands. The primary factors that correlated with long-term P retention efficiency in HSSF were phosphorus loading rate (PLR), hydraulic loading rate (HLR) and dissolved oxygen (DO). Average biomass production of HSSF-Phr and HSSF-Sch was 4.8 and 12.1 kg dry weight (DW)/m2, respectively. The P uptake by the plant increased over the years of operation from 1.8 gP/m2 to 7.1 gP/m2 for Phragmites and from 3.2 to 7.4 gP/m2 for Schoenoplectus over the same periods. Moreover, the warm season (S/Sm) was more efficient reaching 14% P uptake than the cold season (F/W) with 9%. These results suggest that both plants' P retention capacity in HSSF systems represents a sustainable treatment in the long term.Novelty statement Long-term (8 years) phosphorus uptake by Schoenoplectus californicus and Phragmites australis and retention in pilot-scale constructed wetlands are evaluated. Schoenoplectus californicus is an uncommon species that has been less studied for phosphorus uptake compared to Phragmites australis, a globally known species in constructed wetlands. Moreover, some studies evaluating the performance of constructed wetland systems for domestic wastewater treatment are usually limited in time (1-3 years). Therefore, this long-term study demonstrates that the plant plays an important role in phosphorus retention, especially the species Schoenoplectus californicus. So, the phosphorus uptake by plants can contribute between 9 and 14% of the phosphorus load of constructed wetland systems in early years of operation.

Assuntos

RESUMO

RESUMO Os wetlands construídos (WC) são uma ecotecnologia aplicável para o tratamento descentralizado de esgotos notadamente em pequenas comunidades, em razão de sua simplicidade operacional. Existem vários arranjos e combinações de WC possíveis, destacando-se o arranjo tanque séptico (TS), seguido da modalidade de WC de escoamento vertical (WCV) com recirculação do efluente do WCV de volta para o TS, como proposta para possibilitar a remoção de nitrogênio presente no esgoto afluente. Entretanto, no Brasil, essa configuração e suas implicações operacionais e de desempenho são pouco exploradas. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de um sistema de TS seguido de um WCV com recirculação no tratamento descentralizado de esgoto doméstico. O sistema empregado no tratamento de esgoto de um equivalente populacional de dez habitantes é composto de um TS (4,7 m3 de volume útil), seguido de um WCV (24,5 m2 de área superficial) preenchido com brita e plantado com Canna spp. O monitoramento, que compreendeu um período de nove meses, teve início após um ano e cinco meses de operação do sistema. Utilizando taxa de 50% de recirculação, taxa de aplicação hidráulica no WCV de 85 mm d-1 e carga de 47 g DQO m-2.d-1, foram obtidas boas eficiências para remoção conjunta de demanda química de oxigênio — DQO (80%), sólidos em suspensão totais — SST (85%) e nitrogênio total —NT (42%), mesmo com elevadas cargas orgânicas. Além das boas eficiências apresentadas, o sistema demonstrou ser robusto e de operação simples e representa uma alternativa tecnológica com potencial para o tratamento descentralizado de esgotos de empreendimentos habitacionais.

ABSTRACT Constructed wetland (CW) is an applicable eco-technology for decentralized wastewater treatment, notably in small communities, due to its operational simplicity. CW has several possible arrangements and combinations, among which the septic tank (ST) stands out, followed by the vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW), with treated effluent recirculation back to the ST to enable nitrogen removal. However, in Brazil, this configuration and its operational and performance implications are little explored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of an ST system, followed by a VFCW with recirculation in the decentralized treatment of domestic wastewater. The wastewater treatment system for 10 inhabitants consists of an ST (4.7 m3 of useful volume), followed by a VFCW (24.5 m2 of surface area) planted with Canna spp. The monitoring, which covered a period of nine months, started after one year and five months of system operation. Using a 50% recirculation rate, VFCW hydraulic loading rate of 85 mm d-1, and organic load of 47 g COD m-2 d-1, good efficiencies were obtained for the joint removal of chemical oxygen demand — COD (80%), total suspended solids — TSS (85%), and total nitrogen — TN (42%), even with high organic loads. In addition to the good efficiencies presented, the system proved to be robust and easy to operate, representing a technological alternative with potential for the decentralized wastewater treatment of housing developments.

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity of shoot dry biomass and the capacity of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) extraction by the Vetiver and Tifton 85 grasses when cultivated in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) whose porous medium was saturated with solutions containing different nutrient availability. The grass shoots were cut every 30 days to determine the productivity and N, P and K contents in the plant tissue. Models of productivity and the extraction capacity of each nutrient were obtained as a function of the nutrient concentration. Based on the results obtained, it was verified that the productivity of shoot dry biomass and the extractions of N, P and K by the Vetiver grass increased linearly with the nutrient availability of the nutritive solution. In relation to Tifton 85, quadratic models of productivity and N and K extraction were adjusted. The maximum productivity, N, P and K extraction by Vetiver grass were 513.4, 8.2, 1.9 and 10.39 g m-2 month-1, respectively. In relation to Tifton 85 grass, these values were 739.4, 30.8, 3.0 and 15.59 g m-2 month-1 for productivity, N, P and K extraction, respectively.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Reliable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) indicators for wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) construction and operation phases are still a demand mainly in developing countries. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to present and discuss the environmental performance of a full-scale WWTP installed in a Brazilian city using LCA approach. The treatment process consists of a UASB reactor followed by constructed wetlands, which makes it particularly attractive to developing countries due to its operational simplicity. The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) was developed from a WWTP design and operation data including those of untreated wastewater and effluent quality. The results show that the environmental impacts from construction phase should not be neglected in LCA studies of low complexity treatment technologies (e.g. UASB reactor, constructed wetlands and pond systems). There is a trade-off between the use of materials and energy for construction and the low energy and materials consumption during the operation phase in these systems. The majority share of hydroelectric generation in the energy matrix and the combination of anaerobic and natural processes for wastewater treatment have contributed to a smaller impact potential for the operation phase. The LCA approach should be associated with plans and actions to face the challenges of providing wastewater treatment in developing countries. Only in this way, compliance with the eco-efficiency targets and protect public health will be guaranteed.

RESUMO

Water contamination by discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater into water bodies is a current issue that may cause harm to humans. Water quality assessment targets general parameters, which often misleads to underestimation of their implication in the environment. Acute and genotoxicity assays using Daphnia magna is a reliable tool for testing deleterious effects of wastewater exposure. This paper aimed at evaluating acute ecotoxicity as well as genotoxicity of a biological treatment system composed by an anaerobic bioreactor (AR), algal turf scrubber (ATS), followed by two downflow constructed wetlands (CW). The university's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) composed by an equalization tank (ET), an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), followed by an aerobic bioreactor (AB) was also assessed for acute and genotoxicity. Our results showed the acute ecotoxicity ranged from moderately to extremely toxic, and from nontoxic to moderately toxic for ET and AB. For AR, most samples were moderately toxic. The outflow from ATS and CW's tanks completely eliminated acute toxicity and genotoxicity evidencing that the proposed system combining ATS and vertical CWs is suitable for treating sanitary wastewater.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Vertical partially saturated (VPS) constructed wetlands (CWs) are a novel wastewater treatment system for which little information is known about its design parameters and performance under tropical climates. The objective of this study is to evaluate the nitrogen removal process from domestic wastewater and the production of tropical ornamental plants (Canna hybrids and Zantedeschia aethiopica) in VPS CWs at a mesocosms scale. Nine VPS CWs, with a free-flow zone of 16 cm and a saturated zone of 16 cm, were used as experimental units. Three units were planted with Canna hybrids., and three, with Zantedeschia aethiopica (one plant per unit); the remaining three units were established as controls without vegetation. They were fed with domestic wastewater intermittently and evaluated for the elimination of COD, N-NH4, N-NO3, Norg, NT, and PT. The results showed an increase in the removal for some pollutants in the vegetated systems, i.e., N-NH4 (35%), Norg (16%), TN (25%), and TP (47%) in comparison to the unvegetated systems. While N-NO3 removal showed better removal in 10% of the systems without vegetation, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05) for COD removal. The aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the VPS CWs favor the elimination of pollutants in the systems, and also the development of the tropical species evaluated in this study; good development was exhibited by a high growth rate and biomass production.

Assuntos

RESUMO

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de alagados construídos com fluxo subsuperficial horizontal cultivados com as macrófitas aquáticas Eleocharis sp. (junco) e Typha sp. (taboa) na redução da toxicidade de efluentes domésticos. Para isso, foram utilizados ensaios ecotoxicológicos com o microcrustáceo Daphnia similis, a dicotiledônea Lactuca sativa (alface), a monocotiledônea Sorghum vulgare (sorgo) e as macrófitas aquáticas Lemna sp. (lentilha-d'água) e Azolla sp. O efluente doméstico mostrou-se tóxico à Daphnia similis com média de EC50 de 1,3%. Os tratamentos com macrófitas reduziram significativamente a toxicidade do efluente, com médias de EC50 de 73% para o tratamento com junco, 53,17% para o com taboa e 78,25% para o com taboa + junco. O controle (sem macrófitas) também reduziu significativamente a toxicidade, com média de EC50 de 63,13%. Nos ensaios de fitotoxidade, a alface e o sorgo não se mostraram sensíveis ao efluente analisado, embora sejam para outros tipos de efluentes. A macrófita Lemna sp. também não foi sensível ao efluente estudado, no entanto, observou-se a capacidade de identificar, com essa espécie, o potencial eutrofizante do efluente, já que esta se desenvolveu melhor no efluente bruto do que nos tratados. Com a macrófita Azolla sp., foi possível verificar que o efluente bruto apresenta maior potencial eutrofizante se comparado com os tratamentos com junco, taboa e controle, nos quais houve remoção de nitrogênio e fósforo. No entanto, evidenciou-se efeito tóxico para Azolla sp. nos efluentes tratados.

ABSTRACT The research objective was to evaluate the performance of wetlands constructed with vertical sub-surface flow cultivated with Eleocharis sp. (Junco) and Typha sp. (Taboa). For this, ecotoxicological tests were used with the microcrustacean Daphnia similis, with the dicotyledon Lactuca sativa (alface), the monocotyledon Sorghum vulgare (sorgo) and the aquatic macrophytes Lemna sp. (Duckweed) and Azolla sp. The domestic effluent was toxic to Daphnia similis with a mean EC50 of 1.3%. Macrophyte treatments significantly reduced effluent toxicity with EC50 averages of 73% for junco treatment, EC50 53.17% for taboa treatment, and EC50 78.25% for taboa + junco treatment. The control (without macrophytes) also significantly reduced toxicity, with a mean EC50 of 63.13%. In the phytotoxicity tests, lettuce and sorgo were not sensitive to the analyzed effluent, although they were for other types of effluents. The macrophyte Lemna sp. was also not sensitive to the effluent studied. However, it was possible to identify the eutrophic potential of the effluent with this species, since it was better developed in the raw effluent than in treated ones. With the macrophyte Azolla sp., it was possible to verify that the raw effluent has greater eutrophic potential when compared to the treatments with junco, taboa and control, where nitrogen and phosphorus removal was observed. However, toxic effect was observed for Azolla sp. in treated effluents.

RESUMO

RESUMO Neste trabalho, teve-se como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de Sistemas Alagados Construídos de Escoamento Horizontal Subsuperficial (SAC-EHSS) cultivados com Mentha aquatica, submetidos a diferentes tempos de detenção hidráulica (TDH), na remoção de matéria orgânica, nutrientes e bactérias do grupo coliformes presentes em esgoto sanitário efluente de tanque séptico. Quatro SACs-EHSS de 24,0 × 1,0 × 0,35 m foram construídos e preenchidos com brita #0, como meio suporte, até a altura de 0,20 m. Em dois SAC-EHSS, foi cultivada a espécie Mentha aquatica, permanecendo os outros dois sem vegetação como tratamento controle. O experimento foi realizado em duas etapas: na primeira, de 20 de junho a 24 de agosto de 2011, avaliaram-se os TDH de 6,0 e 4,5 dias; e, na segunda, de 31 de agosto a 09 de novembro de 2011, foram analisados os TDH de 3,0 e 1,5 dias. Para avaliação do desempenho dos sistemas, foram quantificadas as variáveis: demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO5), concentrações totais de nitrogênio (N), fósforo (P), potássio (K) e sódio (Na), coliformes totais e Escherichia coli. As eficiências médias na remoção de DQO variaram entre 71,3 e 91,4% e as de DBO5, entre 75,3 e 91,0%. As remoções médias de nutrientes foram de 29,5 a 77,2% do N total; de 12,8 a 58,3% do P total; de 20,4 a 63,3% do K total; e de 17,5 a 53,4% do Na total. As reduções na contagem de coliformes totais foram de 1,29 a 3,41 unidades logarítmicas e as de E. coli, de 1,13 a 3,46 unidades logarítmicas. Maiores eficiências na remoção de matéria orgânica, nutrientes e bactérias do grupo coliformes foram observadas nos SAC-EHSS cultivados que operaram com maiores TDH.

ABSTRACT This work was conducted to evaluate the performance of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) cultivated with Mentha aquatica, subjected to different hydraulic retention times (HRTs), in the removal of organic matter, nutrients and coliform bacteria in sewage effluent from septic tank. Four HSSF-CWs measuring 24.0 × 1.0 × 0.35 m were built and filled with gravel # 0, as a support medium, up to the height of 0.20 m. In two HSSF-CWs, Mentha aquatica was cultivated, the other two remained without vegetation, as control treatment. The experiment was conducted in two stages: in the first, from 06/20 to 08/24/2011, HRTs of 6.0 and 4.5 days were evaluated, and in the second stage, from 08/31 to 11/09/2011, HRTs of 3.0 and 1.5 days were evaluated. To evaluate the systems performance, the following variables were quantified: chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Average removal efficiencies of COD ranged from 71.3 to 91.4% and of BOD5 from 75.3 to 91.0%. With respect to nutrients, average removals ranged from 29.5 to 77.2% total N; 12.8 to 58.3% total P; 20.4 to 63.3% total K and 17.5 to 53.4% total Na. Reductions in total coliform counts ranged from 1.29 to 3.41 log units and 1.13 to 3.46 log units in E. coli. Improved efficiencies in the removal of organic matter, nutrients and coliform bacteria were observed in cultivated HSSF-CWs that operated at higher HRT.

RESUMO

In Argentina, drinking water for c.a. 10% of the population has arsenic (As) concentrations higher than those recommended by WHO (10 µg L-1). Reverse osmosis (RO) appears as an immediate and effective solution for As remediation. However, this process has a residual flow known as "rejection" or "concentrate" where dissolved species are more concentrated than in the feed flow. In this study, phytoremediation with subsurface horizontal-flow constructed wetlands (CW) was proposed to reduce As concentration in the RO residues. Experiments were carried out during 419 days at room temperature and using a continuous regime (flow of 36 L d-1, As concentration around 85 µg L-1) of RO rejection from a water treatment plant located in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The study was performed using prototypes planted with Cyperus haspan (PA), Juncus effusus (PB) and a mix of inert gravel and laterite (substrate) that was used as a control (PC). Results showed that after a stabilization time, As removal (%) was between 30% and 80% in the CW planted with J. effusus and between 10 and 40% with C. haspan. As concentration along CW showed similarities between the prototypes PC and PA. The cumulative mass of As was 62%, 34% and 27% for PA, PB and PC, respectively. The contribution of C. haspan and J. effusus during the experimental time was between 12 and 67% and 22 to 87%, respectively. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors indicated that for J. effusus the accumulation is more important than the translocation process (1.6 and 0.2, respectively), while for C. haspan both factors were similar (1.1 and 1.0, respectively). Results suggested that this technology has the potential for an efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to RO rejection treatment and disposal regarding As concentration.

Assuntos

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Constructed wetlands might be an alternative for communities away from urban centers and not served by a domestic wastewater treatment system. The purpose of this study was to provide instructions for the implementation of subsurface flow constructed wetland systems. To that end, we gathered information regarding the construction aspect, plants, and operational parameters used in systems which already operate in the country and the respective efficiency of these sets after previous treatment. The system in real scale proposed by Oliveira et al. (2005) was prominent among those that presented the highest efficiency. It was preceded by upflow anaerobic reactor built in brick, with macrophyte of the Typha genre, crushed stone at the entry and exit of the system, and sand in its intermediate portion. It required 1.04 m² surface area per inhabitant in humid temperate climate and hot summer, 1.71 m³ d-1 flow, and one-day hydraulic detention. The considerations presented here might help the construction of this kind of system, regarding dimensional and operational criteria.

RESUMO As wetlands construídas podem ser uma alternativa para comunidades afastadas de centros urbanos que não são atendidas por rede de tratamento de esgoto. Visando à orientação para implantação do sistema de wetlands construídas de fluxo subsuperficial, foi levantada uma série de informações a respeito dos aspectos construtivos, das plantas e parâmetros operacionais utilizados em sistemas já em funcionamento no país e a respectiva eficiência do conjunto, após um tratamento precedente. Entre os sistemas que apresentaram melhor eficiência, destacou-se o de Oliveira et al. (2005) em escala real, precedido por reator anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente, construído em alvenaria, com a macrófita do gênero Typha, brita na entrada e saída do sistema e areia na parte intermediária, com uma área superficial de 1,04 m2 por habitante de clima temperado úmido com verão quente, vazão de 1,71 m3 d-1 e tempo de detenção hidráulica de um dia. A elaboração das considerações apresentadas neste trabalho pode auxiliar na construção desse tipo de sistema, construído nos critérios de dimensionamento e operação.

RESUMO

Tannery wastewater is characterized by high and variable concentrations of diverse pollutants, which makes it difficult and costly to treat. In the search for sustainable treatment options for tannery effluents, two pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow (HSF) constructed wetlands (CW) were built and operated for the treatment of synthetic water of quality similar to that of pre-treated tannery effluents. Five different loading phases were examined with gradual increase of inflow COD, NH4+-N and Cr loads until reaching and exceeding the typical composition of a tannery effluent. High COD and NH4+-N removals were observed (82 and 96%, respectively), and almost complete Cr removal in the outflow, which met the Venezuela national standards for environmental discharge. Plant uptake was measured, but microbial processes appear to be the main ammonium transformation/removal mechanism. Nitrogen, chlorophyll and Cr in the plant aerial parts and roots indicated the capacity of Phragmites sp. to grow and survive even under high loads. The measured heterotrophic bacteria in the substrate and rhizomes indicated the biofilm development and the oxidation of organic matter and nitrogen. Water losses via evapotraspiration were also measured and reached 14%. Overall, the tested CW design proved to be a sustainable and feasible alternative for the treatment of tannery wastewater in tropical climates.

Assuntos

RESUMO

RESUMO O sistema integrado com microalgas (MA) e wetland construído de fluxo vertical (wetland construído pós-microalgas - WCPMA) foi aplicado para a realização de ensaios de tratamento de efluentes no campus da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul (UNISC-RS). Águas negras e amarelas foram alimentadas para esse sistema em regime de batelada a partir de um tanque equalizador da estação de tratamento de efluentes da universidade, considerando tempo de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de três dias para cada unidade do sistema integrado. O comparativo de desempenho foi feito com unidades também envolvendo a sequência de tanque de armazenamento de efluentes (TAE) + sistema de controle (C), somente com suporte de areia e brita, em triplo estágio, bem como wetlands construídos de fluxo vertical, também em triplo estágio. O abastecimento utilizou fatores de carga em termos de demanda química de oxigênio (DQO) de 2,4±0,9 g m-1dia-1 para o TAE e de 26,7±11,2 g m-1dia-1 para as unidades de wetlands construídos, de MA+WCPMA e de C (sem o cultivo da Hymenachne grumosa). Em relação à unidade TAE+MA+WCPMA, as reduções dos parâmetros de cargas poluentes foram mais significativas em termos de demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO5) (58%), fósforo total (63%) e, principalmente, nitrogênio amoniacal no sistema integrado, com redução de 100%. Em termos de toxicidade aguda com Daphnia magna, a detoxificação foi efetiva, com variações de valores de EC50 de 58 a 100%. O estudo obteve resultados expressivos que indicam que o sistema MA+WCPMA é uma alternativa promissora no tratamento de águas residuárias para unidades geradoras descentralizadas, possibilitando maior redução da ação eutrofizante.

ABSTRACT The application of integrated systems with microalgae (MA) and Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland Post Microalgae (CWPMA) was performed for campus wastewater treatment assays located in Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC-RS). Black and yellow waters were fed to systems in batch regime from equalizer university wastewater treatment plant tank, considering hydraulic detention time (HDT) of three days for each unity of the integrated system (MA+CWPMA). The comparison of performances was also made with units involving storage tank wastewater (STW)+Control System (C), only supported with sand and gravel in triple stage, as well as CWs, also triple stage. The supply used load factors in terms of COD 2.4±0.9g m-1 day-1 (for STW) and 26.7±11.2 COD m-1day-1 for the units of CWs; MA+CWPMA and Control (without the cultivation of Hymenachne grumosa). Reductions of the parameters of pollution loads were more significant in terms of BOD5 (58%), total phosphorous (63%) and especially in terms of ammonia nitrogen in integrated STW+MA+CWPMA, with a reduction of 100%. In terms of acute toxicity with Daphnia magna, detoxification was effective, with EC50 values ranging from 58 to 100%. The study developed obtained significant results that indicate this is a promising alternative in the treatment of wastewater for decentralized generating units, allowing greater reduction in eutrophic action.

RESUMO

RESUMO No presente trabalho, teve-se por objetivo avaliar a influência da proporção geométrica e o tempo de operação na hidrodinâmica do sistema. Para isso, três sistemas alagados construídos de escoamento horizontal subsuperficial (SACs-EHSS) de diferentes razões comprimento:largura (L/B) foram caracterizados no que se refere ao comportamento hidrodinâmico, no início e após três meses de sua operação, durante o tratamento de esgoto sanitário. O comportamento hidrodinâmico foi avaliado por meio da técnica estímulo-resposta, com a injeção de traçador de cloreto de lítio (LiCl), na forma de pulso, e da construção da curva de distribuição dos tempos de residência (DTR), a partir da qual foram extraídos parâmetros que permitiram a análise hidrodinâmica dos sistemas. Verificou-se que todos os SACs-EHSS apresentaram comportamento hidrodinâmico do tipo disperso, embora tenha sido observada correlação inversa entre L/B e o número de dispersão (d) no sistema. O tempo de operação desses sistemas também proporcionou pequena redução no d, em todos os SACs-EHSS.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present work was to evaluate the geometric ratio and the operating time's influence on the systems' hydrodynamic conditions. For this purpose, three horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) in pilot scale, with same useful volume () but with different length:width (L/B) ratio, were characterized regarding the hydrodynamic behavior at the beginning and after 3 months of operation, in sewage treatment. To obtain the HSSF-CW conditions, the stimulus-response technique with the lithium chloride (LiCl) tracer injection on a pulse format was used. Thus, the residence time distribution curve was constructed, from which parameters were extracted and enabled the hydrodynamic analysis of the systems. It was found that all HSSF-CWs presented dispersed hydrodynamic behavior, although the results indicated an inverse correlation between L/B and the dispersion number. The operating time of these systems provided a reduction in the dispersion number in all HSSF-CWs, different from the results found in some works.

RESUMO

The current knowledge about the role terrestrial ornamental plants play in constructed wetlands (CWs) has scarcely been evaluated. Likewise, little attention has been given towards the use of new support or fill media for subsurface flow CWs, which may result in the reduction of costs when implemented on a large scale. This study evaluated, during nine months, the effect of three terrestrial ornamental plants and two substrates on the elimination of pollutants in wastewaters by using fill-and-drain vertical subsurface flow CWs (FD-CWs). Sixteen microcosms were used, nine filled with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nine with porous river stone (PRS). For each type of substrate, duplicates of microcosms were used, utilizing Anthurium sp., Zantedeschia aethiopica, and Spathiphyllum wallisii as vegetation and two other CWs without vegetation as controls. The environmental conditions, number of flowers, and height of the plants were registered. The results revealed that both substrates in the FD-CWs were efficient in removing pollutants. The average removal of pollutants in systems with vegetation revealed a positive effect on the reduction of the biochemical oxygen demand (55⁻70%), nitrates (28⁻44%), phosphates (25⁻45%), and fecal coliforms (52⁻65%). Meanwhile, in units without vegetation, the reduction of pollutants was nearly 40⁻50% less than in those with vegetation. The use of PET as a filling substrate in CWs did not affect the growth and/or the flowering of the species; therefore, its use combined with the species studied in CWs may be replicated in villages with similar wastewater problems. This may represent a reduction in implementation costs when utilizing PET recycled wastes and PRS as substrates in these systems in comparison with the typical substrates used in CWs. More studies are needed to better understand the interactions among these novel support media and the commercial terrestrial ornamental plants.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Landfill leachates contain a variety of toxic compounds, which makes them one of the most difficult types of wastewater to be treated. An alternative "green" technology for leachate treatment is the use of constructed wetlands (CWs). The aims of this study were to select macrophytes and substrates to be used in vertical flow wetlands (VFWs) and to evaluate the performance of hybrid systems composed by a VFW and a horizontal subsurface flow (HSSW) or a free water surface flow (FWSW) wetlands for the treatment of a high ammonium concentration landfill leachate. In microcosms scale experiments, Typha domingensis, Scirpus californicus, and Iris pseudacorus were studied to assess their tolerance to raw and diluted leachate. Substrate selection for VFWs was evaluated using different layers of light expanded clay aggregate (LECA), coarse sand, fine sand, and gravel. Contaminant removals were higher in planted than in unplanted wetlands. Plants did not tolerate the raw effluent but showed a positive effect on plant growth when exposed to the diluted leachate. T. domingensis and I. pseudacorus showed higher contaminant removal ability and tolerance to landfill leachate than S. californicus. VFW with LECA + coarse sand showed the best performance in removal efficiencies. Hybrid system composed by VFW-FWSW planted with T. domingensis presented the best performance for the treatment of landfill leachate with high concentrations of ammonium.

Assuntos