Modelling nitrogen removal in a coupled HRP and unplanted horizontal flow subsurface gravel bed constructed wetland

The results showed that improved nitrogen removal occurred with increase in hydraulic time of the HRP unit. It was also revealed that the HRP can effectively be used to promote nitrification and subsurface flow gravel bed constructed wetland can be used as a denitrifying unit. The most efficient mechanisms were determined using a transformation model. The model indicated that nitrification and mineralization were dominant contributing 51.1% and 14.9%, respectively. Denitrification and mineralization were most significant in the SSCW accounting for 43.5% and 16.7%, respectively. Nitrification-denitrification route was observed to be the most significant mechanism for nitrogen removal in the coupled system with an overall contribution of 53%. The model predicted the overall nitrogen removal as 37% compared to 38.4% obtained from field measurements.