Modeling heavy metal removal in wetlands

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:37466

Lung, W S ^[1]; Light, R N ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (United States)
2. Army Environmental Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (United States)

Although the use of wetland ecosystems to purify water has gained increased attention only recently, it has been recognized as a wastewater treatment technique for centuries. While considerable research has occurred to quantify the nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) removal mechanisms of wetlands, relatively few investigators have focused on the mechanisms of heavy metal removal and uptake by wetland sediments and plants. The quantification of the assimilative capacity of heavy metals by wetland ecosystems is a critical component in the design and use of wetlands for this purpose. A computer model has been developed to simulate the fate and transport of heavy metals introduced to a wetland ecosystem. Modeled water quality variables include phytoplankton biomass and productivity; macrophyte (Nulumbo lutea) biomass; total phosphorus in the water column; dissolved copper in the water column and sediments; particulate copper in the water column and sediments; and suspended solids. These variables directly affect the calculated rate of copper uptake by macrophytes, and the rate of copper recycling as a function of the decomposition of copper-laden biomass litter. The model was calibrated using total phosphorus and chlorophyll a data from the Old Woman Creek Wetland in Ohio. Verification of the model was achieved using data on the copper content of the macrophyte Nelumbo lutea.

• OSTI ID: 37466
• Report Number(s): CONF-9410273--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BIODEGRADATION
COPPER
OHIO
PHOSPHORUS
PLANTS
REMEDIAL ACTION
REMOVAL
ROOT ABSORPTION
TOLERANCE
WATER QUALITY
WATER RECLAMATION
WETLANDS