Comparison of Constructed Wetland Mesocosms Designed for Treatment of Copper-Contaminated Wastewater

Journal Article · Thu Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 2001 · Ecological Engineering

OSTI ID:774867

Gladden, J B

This study compared the performance of two constructed wetland mesocosms used to model a full-scale wetland system designed for treatment of copper-contaminated wastewater. One mesocosm (designated site-specific) was built near the construction site of the full-scale wetland using on-site soil, commercially available vegetation [Scirpus californicus (C.A. Meyer) Steud.], and water from the targeted wastestream. A second mesocosm (designated generic) was constructed at Clemson University using local soil, cultured S. californicus, and local municipal water amended with CuSO{sub 4}. Performance objectives were to achieve 22 m g/L total copper and no toxicity (Ceriodaphnia dubia Richard, 7-d/static/ renewal) in wetland outflows. Total inflow copper to the site-specific and generic mesocosms ranged from non-detect to 87 {micro} g/L and from 27 to 68 {micro} g/L, respectively. Overall total copper removal was 40% ({+-}33) for the site-specific mesocosm and 73% ({+-}14) for the generic mesocosm. In seven of nine monthly toxicity tests, C. dubia reproduction was significantly decreased ({alpha} = 0.05) in outflow of the site-specific mesocosm. No outflow toxicity was observed for the generic mesocosm. Although performance of the two mesocosms differed, both studies contributed to full-scale design by highlighting critical aspects of wetland function and augmenting operation and maintenance plans, enhancing overall constructed wetland design.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy (US)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-96SR18500
• OSTI ID: 774867
• Report Number(s): WSRC-MS-2001-00128
• Journal Information: Ecological Engineering, Journal Name: Ecological Engineering; ISSN 0925-8574; ISSN ECENEL
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CONSTRUCTION
COPPER
DESIGN
MAINTENANCE
PERFORMANCE
PLANTS
REMOVAL
TOXICITY
WATER TREATMENT
WETLANDS