Removal of trace elements in three horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands in the Czech Republic

Environ Pollut. 2009 Apr;157(4):1186-94. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.12.003. Epub 2009 Jan 4.

Abstract

Between March 2006 and June 2008 removal of 34 trace elements was measured on a monthly basis at three horizontal-flow constructed wetlands in the Czech Republic designed to treat municipal wastewater. In general, the results indicated a very wide range of removal efficiencies among studied elements. The highest degree of removal (average of 90%) was found for aluminum. High average removal was also recorded for zinc (78%). Elements removed in the range of 50-75% were uranium, antimony, copper, lead, molybdenum, chromium, barium, iron and gallium. Removal of cadmium, tin, mercury, silver, selenium and nickel varied between 25 and 50%. Low retention (0-25%) was observed for vanadium, lithium, boron, cobalt and strontium. There were two elements (manganese and arsenic) for which average outflow concentrations were higher compared to inflow concentrations. Reduced manganese compounds are very soluble and therefore they are washed out under anaerobic conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Czech Republic
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation / methods*
  • Metals, Heavy* / analysis
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / statistics & numerical data
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis
  • Water Purification / methods*
  • Wetlands

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical