Assessing the removal efficiency of Zn, Cu, Fe and Pb in a treatment wetland using selective sequential extraction:: A case study

The accumulation and speciation of Zn, Cu, Fe and Pb in the sediments of an artificial surface-flow wetland used to treat domestic wastewater near Christchurch, New Zealand, were examined. Water metal concentrations and total suspended solid (TSS) content were determined at the inflow and outflow both in winter and summer, and metal concentrations were analysed in shoots and roots of selected plants. Water and sediment data suggest that the wetland is acting as a sink for Zn, Cu and Pb, while Fe uptake is minimal and the wetland appears to be releasing Fe in the winter. Metal concentrations in the most mobile fractions (exchangeable and bound to carbonates) are negligible. Cu is mostly associated with the organic/sulphide phase, whereas Zn and Pb show a strong affinity for hydroxides and organics/sulphides. A large fraction of all metals is also present in the residual phase, and is therefore unlikely to be released into the overlying water. Metal concentrations are below the low trigger values of the ANZECC sediment quality guidelines, except for Pb near the inflow. However, results of sequential extraction suggest that a significant proportion of Pb occurs in the detrital phase and is therefore not bio-available. Metal concentrations were higher in the roots than in the shoots of both Juncus sp. and Lythrum hyssopifolia. This study shows that, although metal concentrations are low, TSS and metals, except Fe, are effectively removed by the wetland system. The low removal rate of Fe is possibly due to the young age of the wetland and low loading rates.