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Singh S, Upadhyay S, Rani A, Sharma PK, Rawat JM, Rawat B, Prashant, Bhattacharya P. Assessment of pathogen removal efficiency of vertical flow constructed wetland treating septage. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18703. [PMID: 37907513 PMCID: PMC10618516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Septage refers to the semi-liquid waste material that accumulates in septic tanks and other onsite sanitation systems. It is composed of a complex mixture of human excreta, wastewater, and various solid particles. Septage is a potential source of water pollution owing to presence of high organic content, significant pathogen concentrations, and a range of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The harmful impacts of septage pollution poses significant risks to public health through the contamination of drinking water sources, eutrophication of water bodies and spread of water borne diseases. Conventional septage treatment technologies often face limitations such as high operational costs, energy requirements, and the need for extensive infrastructure. Therefore, with an aim to treat septage through an alternative cost effective and energy-efficient technology, a laboratory-scale constructed wetland (CW) system (0.99 m2) consisting of a sludge drying bed and a vertical flow wetland bed was utilized for the treatment of septage. The sludge drying bed and vertical flow beds were connected in series and filled with a combination of gravel with varying sizes (ranging from 5 to 40 mm) and washed sand. Canna indica plants were cultivated on both beds to facilitate phytoremediation process. The system was operated with intermittent dosing of 30 Ltrs of septage every day for 2 months. The HRT of the system was fixed at 48 h. The average inlet loads of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were measured as 150 ± 65.7 g m-2 day-1, 713 ± 443.9 g m-2 day-1, and 309 ± 66.3 g m-2 day-1, respectively. After treatment, the final effluent had an average load of 6 g m-2 day-1 for BOD5, 15 g m-2 day-1 for COD, and 51 g m-2 day-1 for TSS, indicating that the CW system achieved an average removal efficiency of 88% for BOD, 87% for COD, and 65% for TSS. The average load of total coliforms and helminthes eggs in the influent was recorded as 4 × 108 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) m-2 day-1 and 3 × 107 eggs m-2 day-1, respectively. However, the CW system demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing microbial contamination, with an average removal efficiency of 99% for both total coliforms and helminthes eggs. The vertical flow constructed wetland system, equipped with pretreatment by sludge drying bed, has proven to be efficient in treatment of septage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Singh
- Department of Environmental Science, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sweta Upadhyay
- Department of Environmental Science, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anju Rani
- Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Sharma
- Department of Environmental Science, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Janhvi Mishra Rawat
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Balwant Rawat
- School of Agriculture, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Prashant
- Department Environmental Science, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 10B, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
- KWR Water Cycle Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
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Mosquera-Romero S, Ntagia E, Rousseau DP, Esteve-Núñez A, Prévoteau A. Water treatment and reclamation by implementing electrochemical systems with constructed wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 16:100265. [PMID: 37101565 PMCID: PMC10123341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal or permanent water scarcity in off-grid communities can be alleviated by recycling water in decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands (CWs), have become popular solutions for sanitation in remote locations. Although typical CWs can efficiently remove solids and organics to meet water reuse standards, polishing remains necessary for other parameters, such as pathogens, nutrients, and recalcitrant pollutants. Different CW designs and CWs coupled with electrochemical technologies have been proposed to improve treatment efficiency. Electrochemical systems (ECs) have been either implemented within the CW bed (ECin-CW) or as a stage in a sequential treatment (CW + EC). A large body of literature has focused on ECin-CW, and multiple scaled-up systems have recently been successfully implemented, primarily to remove recalcitrant organics. Conversely, only a few reports have explored the opportunity to polish CW effluents in a downstream electrochemical module for the electro-oxidation of micropollutants or electro-disinfection of pathogens to meet more stringent water reuse standards. This paper aims to critically review the opportunities, challenges, and future research directions of the different couplings of CW with EC as a decentralized technology for water treatment and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suanny Mosquera-Romero
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, BOX9050, Ecuador
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Sint-Martens-Latemlaan 2B, B-8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Frieda Saeysstraat 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eleftheria Ntagia
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, PROSE, 92160, Antony, France
| | - Diederik P.L. Rousseau
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Sint-Martens-Latemlaan 2B, B-8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Abraham Esteve-Núñez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Antonin Prévoteau
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Frieda Saeysstraat 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Martel-Rodríguez GM, Millán-Gabet V, Mendieta-Pino CA, García-Romero E, Sánchez-Ramírez JR. Long-Term Performance of a Hybrid-Flow Constructed Wetlands System for Urban Wastewater Treatment in Caldera de Tirajana (Santa Lucía, Gran Canaria, Spain). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14871. [PMID: 36429595 PMCID: PMC9690933 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the results that have been obtained in a real case study of a hybrid constructed wetlands system, which has been in continuous operation for over 11 years. The main aim of the study was to understand the long-term operation and efficiency of the system (which is situated in the municipality of Santa Lucía, Gran Canaria, Spain), which comprises two vertical-flow and one horizontal-flow constructed wetlands for the treatment of urban wastewater. The system, which was originally designed to treat a flow rate of 12.5 m3/day, with a load of 100 equivalent inhabitants, has been operating since its inauguration (July 2008), with a flow rate of almost 35 m3/day and a load of 400 equivalent inhabitants. Despite this, the mean total removal efficiencies during the study period (2014-2019) are optimal for a system of these characteristics, as follows: 92% for 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), 89% for the chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 97% for the total suspended solids (TSS). The system efficiency, with respect to nutrient removal, was somewhat lower, resulting in 48% for total N and 35% for NH4. It has been confirmed with this study that this type of system is an appropriate, robust, resilient nature-based solution for the treatment of the wastewater that is generated in small communities, especially in zones with a warm climate, stable mean temperatures, and mild winters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Millán-Gabet
- Water Department, Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC), 35119 Santa Lucía, Spain
| | - Carlos A. Mendieta-Pino
- Department of Process Engineering, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35214 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva García-Romero
- Mancomunidad Intermunicipal del Sureste de Gran Canaria, 35118 Agüimes, Spain
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Muduli M, Sonpal V, Ray S, Haldar S. In-depth performance study of an innovative decentralized multistage constructed wetland system treating real institutional wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112896. [PMID: 35182600 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The performance of an innovative decentralized multistage constructed wetland (DMCW) treating institutional wastewater is studied covering three seasons. The DMCW system with Canna lily efficiently removed organics contaminants like COD and BOD, and nutrients from the wastewater, showing its dependency on meteorological factors. Overall the performance is maximum in summer and least in monsoon, with a COD removal of 85.6% in summer followed by 82.5% in winter and 61.2% in monsoon. Removal of TSS (67.7-85.5%), PO43--P (52.1-64.4%), NH4+-N (56.6-71.6%), NO3--N (47.3-63.4%) and NO2--N (62-75.4%) were achieved along with heavy metals like Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb. Removal of pathogens like Vibrio is >98%, E. coli 95%, Pseudomonas 99%, and Aeromonas 63% was observed. Mass removal rate of COD was maximum in summer (97.3 g/m2/d) followed by winter (78.7 g/m2/d) and monsoon (43.5 g/m2/d). Majority of organics removal during the treatment was highlighted through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed wastewater to be complex. The Canna lily accumulated various elements and oxides during the treatment with no stress on its health. The treated water quality is within the permissible limits and stands suitable for irrigational purposes. Better plant health and increased microbial diversity in the garden proves the suitability of treated water for irrigational activities. The results were validated using statistical tools like Mann-Whitney U test and principal component analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monali Muduli
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division & Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Vasavdutta Sonpal
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division & Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, India
| | - Sanak Ray
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division & Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
| | - Soumya Haldar
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division & Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Mainardis M, Cecconet D, Moretti A, Callegari A, Goi D, Freguia S, Capodaglio AG. Wastewater fertigation in agriculture: Issues and opportunities for improved water management and circular economy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 296:118755. [PMID: 34971741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Water shortages are an issue of growing worldwide concern. Irrigated agriculture accounts for about 70% of total freshwater withdrawals globally, therefore alternatives to use of conventional sources need to be investigated. This paper critically reviews the application of treated wastewater for agricultural fertigation (i.e., water and nutrient recovery) considering different perspectives: legislation, agronomic characteristics, social acceptability, sustainability of treatment technologies. Critical issues that still need further investigation for a wider application of fertigation practices include accumulation of emerging contaminants in soils, microbiological and public health implications, and stakeholders' acceptance. A techno-economic methodological approach for assessing the sustainability of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture is subsequently proposed herein, which considers different possible local conditions (cultivated crops and effluent characteristics). The results showed that tailoring effluent characteristics to the desired nutrient composition could enhance the process economic sustainability; however, water savings have a major economic impact than fertilizers' savings, partly due to limited P reuse efficiency. The developed methodology is based on a practical approach and may be generalized to most agricultural conditions, to evaluate and encourage safe and efficient agricultural wastewater reuse practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matia Mainardis
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretti
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Goi
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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Potential Use of Constructed Wetland Systems for Rural Sanitation and Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture in the Moroccan Context. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en15010156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Located in a semi-arid to arid region, Morocco is confronting increasing water scarcity challenges. In the circular economy paradigm, the reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture is currently considered a possible solution to mitigate water shortage and pollution problems. In recent years, Morocco has made significative progress in urban wastewater treatment under the National Wastewater Program (PNA). However, rural sanitation has undergone significant delays. Therefore, an alternative technology for wastewater treatment and reuse in rural areas is investigated in this review, considering the region’s economic, social, and regulatory characteristics. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a simple, sustainable, and cost-effective technology that has yet to be fully explored in Morocco. CWs, indeed, appear to be suitable for the treatment and reuse of wastewater in remote rural areas if they can produce effluent that meets the standards of agricultural irrigation. In this review, 29 studies covering 16 countries and different types of wastewater were collected and studied to assess the treatment efficiency of different types of CWs under different design and operational parameters, as well as their potential application in agricultural reuse. The results demonstrated that the removal efficiency of conventional contamination such as organic matter and suspended solids is generally high. CWs also demonstrated a remarkable capacity to remove heavy metals and emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, care products, etc. The removal of microbial contamination, on the other hand, is challenging, and does not satisfy the standards all the time. However, it can be improved using hybrid constructed wetlands or by adding polishing treatment. In addition, several studies reported that CWs managed to produce effluent that met the requirements of wastewater reuse in agriculture of different countries or organisations including Morocco.
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