Author(s): Joel A. Biederman; Otto R. Stein
Linked Author(s): Otto R. Stein
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: A study has been initiated to contribute to the development of process-based design approaches for constructed wetlands in cold climates. Eight bench-scale wetlands have been operating in the climate-controlled environment of Montana State University's Plant Growth Center for approximately 12 months. Three each are planted with cattail and bulrush while two others remain unplanted as controls. After plant establishment, the system was characterized at warm temperatures (15-20℃C) with application of medium-and low-strength synthetic wastewater. Preliminary data show marked reduction in concentrations of COD, ammonia nitrogen, phosphate and sulfate in a medium-strength wastewater, with best performance in cattail wetlands. Application of low-strength wastewater resulted in lower effluent concentrations for all measured parameters except sulfate. However, removal efficiency was in some cases decreased with the low-strength application. Emergent macrophytes appear to substantially affect treatment efficiency for COD, ammonia, and phosphate. Initial evapotranspiration (ET) data indicate that considerable volumes of water are lost to plant uptake.
Year: 1997