MP12 Organic, Metallic, Organometallic Pollutants
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(MUR-1117-859147) Design and Performance of a Constructed Wetland for Remediation of Copper in a Wastestream (2001 and 2005).

Murray Gulde, C¹, Heatley, J², Huddleston, G², Rodgers, Jr., J³, Eggert, D³, ¹ ENTRIX, Atlanta, GA, USA² ENTRIX, Pendleton, SC, USA³ Clemson University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson, SC, USA

ABSTRACT- Performance was evaluated in an eight-acre constructed wetland treatment system receiving copper-contaminated water since October 2000. The constructed wetland used in this research was designed using theoretical and physical modeling with the primary objective of poising the system to limit copper bioavailability. Performance objectives for this constructed wetland treatment system were to decrease total recoverable copper to <22 g/L and to eliminate toxicity (Ceriodaphnia dubia; 7-d, static/renewal). From March 2001 until April 2002 the constructed wetland system was extensively monitored and evaluated for performance and functional contributions of Schoenoplectus californicus, giant bulrush, and wetland hydrosoil in limiting copper bioavailability. During the 2001 - 2002 investigation, inflow wastewater concentrations averaged 27 (±11) g Cu/L and outflow averaged 3 (±2) g Cu/L, with 89% (±8) overall copper removal. Inflow water was toxic to C. dubia, while no toxicity was observed in outflow water. The current research (2005) evaluated the performance and functional roles of the vegetation and hydrosoil following five years of continuous operation. Since coming online, this constructed wetland system has consistently achieved >80% decrease in copper concentrations and no observed toxicity to C. dubia. Hydrosoil redox potential and AVS indicate that the system continues to be poised for limiting bioavailable copper, with no adverse seasonal effects on wetland performance. In addition to evaluating copper removal, removal of other constituents of concern present in the wastewater (mercury and zinc) was measured.

Key words: copper, mercury, wastewater treatment, ceriodaphnia dubia