Treatment of a mixed wood preservative leachate by a hybrid constructed wetland and a willow planted filter

Water Sci Technol. 2017 Jul;76(1-2):164-171. doi: 10.2166/wst.2017.197.

Abstract

The performance and removal mechanisms of a hybrid constructed wetland (HCW) followed by a willow planted filter (WPF) were evaluated for the treatment of a leachate contaminated by wood pole preservatives (pentachlorophenol (PCP) and chromated copper arsenate) to reach the storm sewer discharge limits. The HCW aimed to dechlorinate the PCP and polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorodibenzofuran (PCDD/F) and to remove metals by adsorption and precipitation. The HCW was efficient in removing PCP (>98.6%), oil, arsenic (99.4%), chromium (>99.2%), copper (>99.6%%) and iron (29%) to under their discharge limits, but it was unable to reach those of Mn and PCDD/F, with residual concentrations of 0.11 mg Mn/L and 0.32 pg TEQ/L. Iron and manganese could be removed but were subsequently released by the HCW due to low redox conditions. No dechlorination of PCDD/F was observed since its chlorination profile remained the same in the different sections of the HCW. Adsorption was the most probable removal mechanism of PCDD/F. The WPF was able to remove some residual contamination, but it released Mn at a gradually decreasing rate. Total evapotranspiration of the leachate by a larger fertilized WPF and the construction of an underground retention basin are proposed to prevent any discharge of PCDD/F traces in the environment.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Arsenates / chemistry*
  • Benzofurans / chemistry
  • Chromium / chemistry
  • Copper / chemistry
  • Pentachlorophenol / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Salix / chemistry*
  • Wetlands
  • Wood / chemistry*

Substances

  • Arsenates
  • Benzofurans
  • Polymers
  • polychlorodibenzofuran
  • Chromium
  • chromated copper arsenate
  • Copper
  • Pentachlorophenol