Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland for tertiary treatment of dairy wastewater: Removal efficiencies and plant uptake

There are different physicochemical and biological methods to treat effluents. However, their efficiency is not enough to meet the effluents discharge limits. For this reason, it could be possible to employ a polished treatment. A suitable alternative for this goal could be constructed wetlands (CWs). The aim of the present research was to evaluate contaminants removal efficiency of a pilot scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSFW) for tertiary treatment of dairy wastewater. A vegetation study was also conducted in order to determine the role of plants on nutrient removal. A pilot scale HSSFW planted with Typha domingensis was built in a dairy factory, after the biological treatment. The substrate used was river gravel. During a seven-month research period, thirty-two samples (influent and effluent) were taken and analyzed to determine physicochemical and microbiological parameters as well as removal efficiencies. Biomass, TP, TKN and organic matter content in plants was determined at the beginning and end of the monitoring period. Suspended solids showed significant differences between inlet and outlet, with a mean removal efficiency of 78.4%. For BOD and COD, mean removal efficiencies were respectively 57.9 and 68.7%. Removal percentages for TKN, Nitrates and TP were lower than other parameters (25.7%, 47.8% and 29.9%, respectively). Fecal Coliform bacteria decreased one order of magnitude in final effluent. In the case of Escherichia coli and Pseudomona aeruginosa results were variable. Total biomass increased 4.6 times at the end of the monitoring period. The study of plants indicated its important contribution in terms of contaminant uptake and retention. HSSFW would be an advisable alternative as a tertiary treatment of dairy wastewater.