Evaluation of the long-term performance in a large-scale integrated surface flow constructed wetland–pond system: A case study

• Published in: Bioresource technology Vol. 309; p. 123310
• Main Authors: Li, Yiping, Zhang, Haikuo, Zhu, Liqin, Chen, Hongwei, Du, Guanchao, Gao, Xu, Pu, Yashuai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2020
• Subjects: ammonium nitrogen; case studies; drinking water; Drinking water source; fecal bacteria; Long term; Nitrogen; overland flow; Phosphorus; Pond; Ponds; Surface flow constructed wetland; total nitrogen; total phosphorus; Treatment performance; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water Purification; water quality; Wetlands; Surface flow constructed wetland; Treatment performance; Pond; Long term; Drinking water source
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123310

•Removal efficiency of a large-scale ISFWP treating drinking water source was assessed.•The average effluent concentrations of ISFWP could meet design requirements.•The CODMn average removal efficiency was only 7.6%.•TN removal performance in ISFWP decreased by 38.2% within five years.•Intensification methods were required for further long-term application of ISFWP. Limited information is available in regards to the long-term treatment performance of large-scale integrated surface flow constructed wetland–pond (ISFWP) system improving drinking water source. This study aimed to investigate the treatment performance of a large-scale ISFWP system for the improvement of drinking water source. During five years of operation, the average effluent water quality in the ISFWP system could comply with Chinese Environmental Quality Standards for Drinking Water Source. The average removal efficiencies of permanganate index (CODMn), ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus, and fecal coliforms were 7.6%, 44.3%, 42.9%, 50.8%, and 88.6%, respectively. The treatment performance in the ISFWP system was stable during the operation time, while TN removal efficiency declined by 38.2% after five years of operation. Moreover, contaminants removal efficiencies were not subject to change of season, except for CODMn and TN. Consequently, efficient and sustainable contaminants removal in the large-scale ISFWP system still possessed challenges, especially for CODMn and TN.