Performance evaluation of horizontal and vertical flow constructed wetlands as tertiary treatment option for secondary effluents

Abstract

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are simple low-cost wastewater treatment units that use natural process to improve the effluent water quality and make it possible for its reuse. In the present study, a comparison is made between horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF-CW) and vertical flow (VFCW) constructed wetland in effectively post-treating the effluents from the secondary biological treatment system. Locally available plants, viz. Pennisetum pedicellatum and Cyperus rotundus, which are abundantly available in the Western Ghats, were used in the wetland. A pilot-scale study was undertaken in National Institute of Technology, Karnataka Campus. The experiments were conducted at two hydraulic retention times, i.e., 12 h and 24 h. The experimental study was carried out in February 2018 to May 2018. Concentration-based average removal efficiencies for HSSF-CW and VFCW were BOD, 77% and 83%; COD, 60% and 65%; NH4+-N, 67% and 84.47%; NO3-N, 69% and 66.75%; and PO4-P, 85% and 90%, respectively. VFCW showed a better overall removal efficiency than HSSF-CW by 7.14%. Thus, constructed wetland can be considered as a sustainable alternative to the tertiary conventional treatment of domestic wastewater, thus making it possible for reuse.