Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hanxi Wang, Lianxi Sheng, Jianling Xu
Summary: This review provides a detailed analysis of the reasons, influencing factors, and regularities of CW clogging, offering important insights for addressing clogging issues. Proper selection of particle size and aquatic plants, as well as timely removal of dead roots, can reduce CW clogging significantly.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tanveer Saeed, Md Jihad Miah, Tanbir Khan
Summary: This study examined the removal performance of organics and nutrients in intensified constructed wetlands, specifically tidal flow-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) and tidal flow wetlands receiving municipal wastewater. The results showed high removal rates for ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, and biochemical oxygen demand under different flood periods and media variations, with TN removal reaching the highest percentage under 24-h flood periods. Tidal flow-based MFC wetlands outperformed tidal flow wetlands in TN removal due to supplementary electron production through fuel cell-based organics degradation kinetics.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Pascual, J. A. Alvarez, D. de la Varga, C. A. Arias, D. Van Oirschot, R. Kilian, M. Soto
Summary: The influence of bed depth on the performance of aerated horizontal constructed wetlands was investigated at the pilot plant scale. The results showed that a larger bed depth and artificial aeration can improve the loading rate and the removal efficiency of organic matter and nitrogen in the horizontal constructed wetlands.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aakanksha Rampuria, Niha Mohan Kulshreshtha, AkhilendraBhushan Gupta, Urmila Brighu
Summary: Traditional nitrogen transformation processes in constructed wetlands involve aerobic nitrification and anoxic denitrification, but recent research has discovered novel pathways like anaerobic ammonium oxidation, heterotrophic nitrification, and aerobic denitrification, which can be enhanced by enriching specialized bacteria through selection pressures. Understanding these novel pathways and associated microbial populations can provide new insights for designing constructed wetlands for enhanced nitrogen removal.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silvia Venditti, Hana Brunhoferova, Joachim Hansen
Summary: The study investigated the efficiency of different substrates in removing emerging contaminants from wastewater using Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands (VFCWs). The laboratory investigation showed that VFCWs could provide excellent effluent quality, with overall removal efficiencies exceeding 90% in most cases. Substrate type played a role in the removal of compounds with medium elimination. Under real conditions, VFCWs with 15% activated biochar mixed with sand were effective in removing 18 emerging contaminants and meeting national discharge standards for 4 selected compounds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yungui Li, Xueying Bai, Ruonan Ding, Wenxuan Lv, Ying Long, Liang Wei, Fachun Xiang, Rong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the sorption characteristics of natural manganese ore (NM) and its removal efficiency of ammonium and phosphorus from WWTP effluent in a simulated vertical flow NM constructed wetland (NM-VFCW). The results showed that NM could effectively sorb ammonium and phosphorus with a high removal efficiency, particularly for phosphorus. The manganese ore sand is highlighted as a powerful substrate for simultaneous advanced removal of phosphorus and ammonium in constructed wetland systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tanveer Saeed, Asheesh Kumar Yadav, Md Jihad Miah
Summary: This study employed unsaturated, partially saturated microbial fuel cell integrated tidal flow constructed wetlands to co-treat landfill leachate and municipal wastewater. It was found that reducing the leachate volumetric proportion and increasing the wastewater retention time improved the removal efficiency of pollutants. Waste rubber tire material-based partially saturated wetlands showed the highest efficiency in bioenergy production.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Wolecki, Barbara Trella, Fei Qi, Piotr Stepnowski, Jolanta Kumirska
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the removal of PAEs in municipal wastewater treatment plants supported by constructed wetlands, with three new plant species being presented for the first time. Experimental data confirmed that Euonymus europaeus was the most effective plant species for the uptake of these compounds, making it optimal for supporting conventional MWWTPs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuan Cao, Yue Li, Ling Ren, Mengqiao Sha, Dongqing Lv, Sen Wang, Fanlong Kong
Summary: This study successfully mitigated bio-clogging in constructed wetlands using rhamnolipids and citric acid as solubilizers, improving the removal efficiency of NH4+-N and COD.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vinay Kumar Tyagi, Akansha Bhatia, Kengo Kubota, Ankur Rajpal, Banafsha Ahmed, Abid Ali Khan, A. A. Kazmi, Manish Kumar
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a process where anaerobic microbes transform organic matter into biogas and nutrient-rich digestate, with different microbial groups responding differently to varying operating conditions. The dynamic performance of microbial community development is closely related to digester functionality and operational states.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Jan Vymazal
Summary: Constructed wetlands (CWs) are engineered systems that utilize natural processes for wastewater treatment. CWs take advantage of processes found in natural wetlands, but operate in a more controlled environment. They can be classified based on the presence/absence of wastewater on the wetland surface, and the direction of subsurface flow. Hybrid CWs combine different types of CW technologies. The use of CWs for wastewater treatment gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s due to stricter regulations and the application of CWs in circular economy concepts.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Shentan Liu, Yangchen Zhang, Xiaojuan Feng, Sang-Hyun Pyo
Summary: This paper summarizes the common problems of constructed wetlands (CWs) and proposes corresponding optimized solutions, including thermal insulation and additional aeration in cold climates, choosing suitable plant species and planting patterns to enhance phytoremediation in CWs, using various methods to monitor and evaluate CW clogging, implementing anti-clogging measures, controlling greenhouse gas emissions during CW treatment, constructing and utilizing CW databases, designing appropriate CW types, and implementing strict technical management and supervision.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Tuhin Kamilya, Manoj K. Yadav, S. Ayoob, Subhasish Tripathy, Amit Bhatnagar, Ashok K. Gupta
Summary: The presence and removal methods of antibiotics and steroids in aquatic environment have been investigated. Constructed wetlands (CWs) were found to be an effective decentralized sustainable alternative. Understanding the removal mechanism and substrate type is important, and the performance of CWs is influenced by substrate surface area, wastewater characteristics, and physicochemical properties of the contaminants.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sepehr Shakeri Yekta, Tong Liu, Thuane Mendes Anacleto, Mette Axelsson Bjerg, Luka Safaric, Xavier Goux, Anna Karlsson, Annika Bjorn, Anna Schnurer
Summary: Effluent solids recirculation enhances microbial LCFA degradation capacity, allowing for co-digestion of larger amounts of waste lipids with municipal sludge.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Olga P. Koutsou, Michail S. Fountoulakis, Christos Matsoukas, Nikolaos M. Fyllas, Athanasios S. Stasinakis
Summary: This study investigated the factors affecting N2O emissions from constructed wetlands and developed a statistical formula to estimate N2O emission factors (EFs). The application of the formula to Greek settlements predicted a significant reduction in N2O emissions if constructed wetlands were used instead of conventional wastewater treatment plants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
O. Arias, S. Vina, M. Soto
Summary: The addition of pig manure improved water content and carbon to nitrogen ratio in composting, while compaction and the addition of industrial sludge were necessary for stable compost. Proper control of thermophilic temperatures and matrix size can lead to desirable composting outcomes.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Noelia Florez-Fernandez, Marta Illera, Marta Sanchez, Pablo Lodeiro, Maria Dolores Torres, Maria Elvira Lopez-Mosquera, Manuel Soto, Manuel Sastre de Vicente, Herminia Dominguez
Summary: This study investigates a novel biorefinery scheme for comprehensive valorization of Sargassum muticum by producing a Sap fraction with plant biostimulant potential through initial pressing and subsequent autohydrolysis treatment, high-yield biogas, and the possibility of preparing adsorbents from waste solids.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tania Carballeira, Isabel Ruiz, Manuel Soto
Summary: The research showed that for subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands treating municipal wastewater, adding a layer of fine sand can significantly improve treatment efficiency, leading to higher removal rates of total suspended solids and biological oxygen demand without clogging issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Veronica Torrijos, Domingo Calvo Dopico, Manuel Soto
Summary: This article presents the local composting program at the University of A Coruna, which includes details on composting technologies, investment and operational costs, routine monitoring, educational integration, and the reuse of compost in university gardens.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. Sanchez, O. G. Gonzalo, S. Yanez, I Ruiz, M. Soto
Summary: The study found that in constructed wetlands treating high organic load wastewater, low nutrient and low pH do not affect organic matter removal, but do decrease nitrogen removal rates and deteriorate nitrification and denitrification processes.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ana Pascual, Rocio Pena, Santiago Gomez-Cuervo, David de la Varga, Juan A. Alvarez, Manuel Soto, Carlos A. Arias
Summary: The WETWINE project in Spain has successfully established an engineering system to valorise winery treated wastewater through a combination of HUSB reactor and constructed wetlands. After two years of monitoring, the hybrid system achieved efficient removal of suspended solids and COD, along with improved removal efficiency for nitrogen and pH.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. Hidalgo-Crespo, C. M. Moreira, F. X. Jervis, M. Soto, J. L. Amaya, L. Banguera
Summary: The plastic industry is widespread globally, with increasing plastic waste generation that is considered a high impact pollutant. A study focused on the mechanical recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS) to explore a circular economy model as a potential solution. The study assessed the potential environmental impacts of different valorization paths for food containers in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and found that recycling post-consumer EPS waste and adopting future electricity shares can significantly reduce environmental impacts.
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. Hidalgo-Crespo, S. Coello-Pisco, H. Reyes-Venegas, M. Bermeo-Garay, J. L. Amaya, M. Soto, A. Hidalgo-Crespo
Summary: The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between an individual's political ideology and their environmental concern and pro-environmental behaviors and attitudes, and how these factors influence pro-electrical consumption attitudes. The study found a relationship between environmental concern and pro-electrical consumption attitudes, as well as a gradual decrease in concern and pro-environmental behaviors and attitudes from center ideology to extreme left and right. Additionally, environmental concern was found to strongly influence pro-environmental behaviors and attitudes.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose Hidalgo-Crespo, Cesar Alvarez-Mendoza, Manuel Soto, Jorge Luis Amaya-Rivas
Summary: The objective of this study was to quantify, geo-locate, model, and characterize the generation of domestic used cooking oil (dUCO) in Guayaquil. Through data collection and analysis, the study determined the per capita daily dUCO generation rate and created a GIS map of dUCO hotspots. The findings highlighted the significant impact of household size and socioeconomic group on dUCO generation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Sanchez, D. R. Ramos, M. I. Fernandez, S. Aguilar, I. Ruiz, M. Canle, M. Soto
Summary: The study investigated the removal of emerging pollutants from municipal wastewater using a three-step pilot-scale system, showing promising results for the removal of various compounds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Sanchez, Maria Isabel Fernandez, Isabel Ruiz, Moises Canle, Manuel Soto
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of a three-step lab-scale system consisting of a hybrid digester, a vertical flow constructed wetland, and a photodegradation lamp. Different arrangements of the recirculation point were tested. The system achieved excellent removal of total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Additionally, the system showed significant removal of various pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), with different removal mechanisms observed in different units of the system.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marta Sanchez, Isabel Ruiz, Manuel Soto
Summary: The presence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in the environment is increasing and requires effective removal technologies. This study reviews the behavior of EOCs during municipal wastewater treatment, particularly in constructed wetlands (CWs). It also explores their behavior in anaerobic digesters (ADs) and advanced oxidation processes, focusing on TiO2-based photocatalysis as a promising post-treatment. The elimination mechanisms in AD and CW treatment systems mainly involve sorption and biodegradation, while some contaminants remain recalcitrant.
Article
Ecology
Alexander M. Cancelli, Frank A. P. C. Gobas
Summary: A mechanistic model was developed to assess the removal efficiency of pollutants in a wetland system, particularly in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The model simulated wetland mechanisms of chemical removal and showed that sustained wetland treatment is feasible. It is a helpful tool to evaluate the feasibility of treatment systems and to assess trade-offs in wetland design and operation.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Prakash Singh Thapa, Hiromu Daimaru, Seiji Yanai
Summary: This study assessed the vegetation recovery and erosion condition in a landslide area in central Japan. The results show that the upper slope, where reforestation activities were implemented, has seen significant vegetation recovery and no significant erosion, while the lower slope lacks vegetation and has experienced continued erosion.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Mike Jerauld, Forrest Dierberg, Thomas DeBusk, Scott Jackson, Kevin Grace, John Juston
Summary: The Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are constructed wetlands built to remove phosphorus (P) from agricultural and urban runoff in support of Everglades restoration. Research shows that the levels of calcium (Ca) and alkalinity (Alk) have an impact on phosphorus removal in these wetlands.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Kalindhi Larios, Stefan Gerber, Rafael Munoz-Carpena, Patrick Inglett, K. Ramesh Reddy, Michael Chimney
Summary: This study modeled the phosphorus biogeochemical dynamics in one of the best performing Everglades treatment wetlands and found that the complexity of the hydrological system significantly affected the simulated water column P concentration. The modeling tool developed in this study can guide future data collection and optimization efforts for treatment wetlands in the Everglades.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Jing Hu, Benjamin Baiser, R. Thomas James, K. Ramesh Reddy
Summary: This study examined the long-term phosphorus retention in Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) and identified the factors influencing their performance. The results showed that the operational performance of STAs improved over time. There were notable differences among individual STAs, with the co-precipitation of phosphorus with calcium playing a critical role in one of the STAs. This highlights the complexity of phosphorus removal in STAs and the need for site-specific management strategies.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Odi Villapando, K. R. Reddy, J. King
Summary: The biogeochemical response to different flow conditions within two parallel flow-ways in Everglades Stormwater Treatment Area (STA)-2 was studied. It was found that there was a gradual decrease in the total phosphorus (TP) concentration from inflow to outflow for both emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV) and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) dominated systems, with EAV showing a higher reduction rate. Significant increase in TP concentration was observed in the SAV system under no flow condition, possibly due to the production of particulate phosphorus (PP) through various mechanisms.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)