Boosting pharmaceutical removal through aeration in constructed wetlands

This work evaluated the removal efficiency of 13 wastewater-borne pharmaceuticals in a pilot constructed wetland (CW) operated under different aeration strategies (no aeration, intermittent and continuous). Aeration improved conventional wastewater parameters targeted micropollutants, compared to non-aerated treatment. Reduction chemical oxygen demand (COD) total nitrogen (TN) was slightly higher applying than continuous opposite observed for investigated pharmaceuticals. Seven compounds were found influent wastewater, five them (acetaminophen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, bezafibrate gemfibrozil) efficiently removed (> 83%) aerated systems. The overall risk samples against aquatic ecosystems moderate, decreasing order > no based on hazard quotient approach. Lorazepam, diclofenac ketoprofen that could contribute most this potential environmental impact CW effluents after discharge. To authors' knowledge is first sound study fate bezafibrate, lorazepam CWs, provides additional evidence acetaminophen, gemfibrozil, carbamazepine type bioremediation systems at plant scale. • Pharmaceuticals’ studied aeration. Three aerations (continuous, none). reduced associated risk. Similar performances Considering energy cost, would be best option.