Results of the A-01 Wetland Treatment System Confirmation Study, June-September 1999
A wetland treatment system (WTS) is being considered to reduce metal concentrations and remove toxicity in effluent from the A-01 NPDES outfall. In order to evaluate the removal efficiency of the treatment system, a pilot scale WTS was constructed and operated for three months, using the same hydrosoils, wetland vegetation, and retention time that would be used in a full-scale treatment system. Early results from the pilot study indicate that toxicity was removed and that metal concentrations were reduced but that copper and mercury concentrations still usually exceeded regulatory limits. During the last three weeks of the study, it was determined that the soils probably did not have adequate levels of sulfur and organic carbon. The system was amended with sulfur (as calcium sulfate) and organic material. Metals removal was greatly enhanced subsequent to the soil amendments. Although the pilot scale WTS has not had adequate time to develop, with respect to plant growth and hydrosoil chemistry, the data indicate that a WTS will remove toxicity and will substantially reduce metal concentrations of the effluent. Certain concerns remain to be addressed, however. Concentrations of mercury in the outflow from the treatment cells are still above the current NPDES limit, but performance is improving. Additionally, while the overall performance of the system demonstrates a clear elimination of toxicity, one of the four sets of cells is not performing acceptably with respect to toxicity removal. Continued monitoring and adjustment of the wetland treatment cells will be performed to further enhance the performance of the system.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- OSTI ID:
- 14498
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-TR-99-00353; TRN: AH200136%%596
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 5 Nov 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Performance of the A-01 Constructed Wetland over 20 Years
METAL REMOVAL FROM PROCESS AND STORMWATER DISCHARGES BY CONSTRUCTED TREATMENT WETLANDS