First stage of the French vertical flow constructed wetland system: experiments with the reduction of surface area and number of units
Small vertical-flow constructed wetland units comprising the first stage of the French system were studied in Brazil for the treatment of raw sewage. Planted and unplanted units and different feeding strategies were tested. In the first phase, hourly batches of a daily flow of 13 m 3 d −1 were applied over three alternating units, resulting in an average hydraulic loading rate (HLR) on the full system of 0.15 m 3 m −2 d −1 . A second phase, aimed at reducing land requirements, kept the same daily flow and batch frequency, but used two alternating units, resulting in a HLR on the full system of 0.22 m 3 m −2 d −1 . Removal efficiencies were very good when the system operated with three units, with mean values of 82% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 81% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 85% for total suspended solids (TSS) and 59% for NH 4 + -N. With two units, the equivalent values were 74% for BOD, 59% for COD, 67% for TSS and 51% for NH 4 + -N. There were significant differences in the median removal efficiencies of COD and TSS. No significant differences were found between planted and unplanted units for most constituents. In both phases, the overall good performance and the simplicity of the system make this treatment process a very attractive alternative for developing countries.
Effect of reeds and feeding operations on hydraulic behaviour of vertical flow constructed wetlands under hydraulic overloads.
Vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) have been very successful in France over the last 5 years. The sizing of VFCWs is still roughly based on organic load acceptance with slight clear water intrusion into the sewerage system which is often wrong in the context of small communities. To specify the hydraulic limits would be of great help to Water Authorities in deciding at what point is it preferable to build separate sewers rather than adapt the wastewater treatment plant. The study of the hydraulic limits of reed beds, based on the knowledge of hydrodynamics in unsaturated porous media, shows the ability of the system to accept flow overloads. Measuring different parameters (flow, pollutant removal, infiltration rate (IR), pressure head profiles) in pilot and full-scale studies, we explain the hydraulic behaviour of the filter, and the role of reeds and batch frequency on the IRs. Consequently, new hydraulic limits with accompanying sizing rules and operational recommendations according to the level of deposit on the filter surface are suggested. The study shows the robustness of reed beds systems as designed in France to accept hydraulic overloads. Overloads up to ten times the dry weather flow are possible whilst still complying with the European standards.
Changes in waste stabilisation pond performance resulting from the retrofit of activated sludge treatment upstream: part II--Management and operating issues.
Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was originally commissioned with trickling filter secondary treatment, followed by waste stabilisation pond (WSP) treatment and marine discharge. In 1999, a dissolved air flotation/filtration (DAFF) plant was commissioned to treat a portion of the WSP effluent for horticultural reuse. In 2001, the trickling filters were replaced with activated sludge treatment. A shift in WSP ecology became evident soon after this time, characterised by a statistically significant reduction in algal counts in the pond effluent, and increased variability in algal counts and occasional population crashes in the ponds. While the photosynthetic capacity of the WSPs has been reduced, the concomitant reduction in organic loading has meant that the WSPs have not become overloaded. As a result of the improvement in water quality leaving the ponds, significant cost savings and improved product water quality have been realised in the subsequent DAFF treatment stage. A number of operating issues have arisen from the change, however, including the re-emergence of a midge fly nuisance at the site. Control of midge flies using chemical spraying has negated the cost savings realised in the DAFF treatment stage. While biomanipulation of the WSP may provide a less aggressive method of midge control, this case demonstrates the difficulty of predicting in advance all ramifications of a retrospective process change.