N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
N.C. Agricultural Research Service
N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

Evaluation of Constructed Wetland for Treating High Strength Landfill Leachate and Other Industrial Wastes

Prepared by: A. R. Rubin

Published by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

Publication Number:

Last Electronic Revision: JULY 1996 (MSD)

Long-term Objectives

1. Evaluate the functions of a constructed wetland in treating high strength wastes.

2. Evaluate the wetland plant materials for renovating high strength wastes.

3. Evaluate various nitrogen loading regimes in constructed wetlands to establish nitrogen removal mechanisms and facilitate selection of plant materials suitable for use in wetland systems.

4. Establish economic data concerning the long-term operation, maintenance and capital costs associated with developing systems for wastewater management.

Short-term Objectives

1. Evaluate the quality of effluent produced by wetland cells.

2. Evaluate the feasibility of utilizing submerged and free water surface wetlands for managing high strength wastes.

3. Evaluate the performance of constructed wetlands at various loading rates to determine the optimum hydraulic loading for wetland cells.

Accomplishments

1. Wetlands have been established.

2. Both free-water surface and subsurface flow wetland cells have been planted and effluent quality samples have been collected.

Significance of Accomplishments

Wetland systems have received considerable press. The long-term operational data for wetland systems is lacking where high strength waste streams are treated. Wetlands do have significant potential for treating wastewater, but concerns for treatment defectiveness where high strength wastes are generated are questionable. These studies to evaluate the role of constructed wetlands in waste management and utilization systems are intended to provide wastewater generators with sufficient information concerning wetland performance that operation and maintenance plans can be developed.

Future Plans

1. Develop monitoring protocols to ensure that wetlands function effectively in this wastewater management mode.

2. Develop economic, environmental, and operational criteria for use of wetland systems for wastewater management.

Published by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

Publication Number:

Last Electronic Revision: JULY 1996 (MSD)