Controlling Nitrogen Removal Processes in Improved Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland with Hydroponic Materials: Effect of Influent COD/N Ratios

Discharge of nitrogen (N) with wastewater causes eutrophication in surface water. On the other hand, nutrient-rich can be valuable for agriculture. Tailoring N removal or conservation is important to meet requirements different water end uses. Improved vertical flow constructed wetlands hydroponic materials (CWH) as substrata were developed at lab scale a greenhouse and studied optimize CWH. This study investigated effect influent COD/N ratios 5/1 15/1 on CWHs Syngonium vegetation three substrata, pumice, cocopeat, mineral wool. CWH pumice showed highest TN both ratios. The plant significantly contributed additional 50% Nitrification above 90% was observed ratios, indicating sufficient oxygenation due pulse operated denitrification process enhanced higher ratio compared by around 10–40%. occurring nitrification indicate coexistence aerobic anaerobic conditions CWH, balancing these necessary future applications remove its specific use, i.e., irrigation (high standards) discharge (low standards).