Evaluation of the seasonal performance of a water reclamation pond-constructed wetland system for removing emerging contaminants

The capacity of a full-scale reclamation pond-constructed wetland (CW) system to eliminate 27 emerging contaminants (i.e. pharmaceuticals, sunscreen compounds, fragrances, antiseptics, fire retardants, pesticides, and plasticizers) and the seasonal occurrence of these contaminants is studied. The compounds with the highest concentrations in the secondary effluent are diclofenac, caffeine, ketoprofen, and carbamazepine. The results show that the constructed wetland (61%) removes emerging contaminants significantly more efficiently than the pond (51%), presumably due to the presence of plants (Phragmites and Thypa) as well as the higher hydraulic residence time (HRT) in the CW. A greater seasonal trend to the efficient removal of these compounds is observed in the pond than in the CW. The overall mass removal efficiency of each individual compound ranged from 27% to 93% (71% on average), which is comparable to reported data in advanced treatments (photo-fenton and membrane filtration). The seasonal average content of emerging contaminants in the river water (2488 ng L−1) next to the water reclamation plant is found to be higher than the content in the final reclaimed water (1490 ng L−1), suggesting that the chemical quality of the reclaimed water is better than available surface waters.

► We evaluated a pond-constructed wetland system to eliminate emerging contaminants.
► Seasonal effect was studied.
► Constructed wetland removed emerging contaminants more efficiently than the pond.
► Overall mass removal efficiency of pond-CW system was 71%.
► Chemical water quality was higher in reclaimed water than in available surface water.