Constructed Wetlands and Other Approaches to Protecting Water Quality

The toxicity and estrogenicity of a final treated municipal effluent was examined while flowing through a constructed wetland in north-central Texas, USA. Fish data were collected, and a baseline wetland characterization was performed to assess wetland treatment potential for these effluent properties. Vitellogenin (VTG), gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and secondary sexual characteristics were biomarkers used in fish models to assess aqueous estrogenicity. Biological indicators used to assess overall fish health included hematocrit and condition factor. Estrogenic nature of final sewage treatment works effluent was screened, concurrent with a three-week fish exposure, via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for target estrogenic compounds, including 17beta-estradiol, ethynylestradiol, bisphenol A, nonylphenolic compounds, phthalates, and DDT. The VTG in Pimephales promelas was measured after exposure at four sites in a treatment wetland and was significantly elevated (p < 0.0001) in fish exposed at the inflow site. The GSIs were significantly less (alpha = 0.001) at the inflow site. At wetland sites closest to the inflow, secondary sexual characteristics, tubercle numbers, and fatpad thickness were less (alpha = 0.0001) than in laboratory controls. The HSIs and density of male breeding stripes were not significantly different from those of laboratory controls. However, elevated HSIs were found at the inflow site. Hematocrit and condition factors were both less (alpha = 0.001) in effluentexposed fish at wetland sites closer to the inflow than in control fish or fish further downstream. 2. Assessment of toxicity reduction in wastewater effluent flowing through a treatment wetland using Pimephales promelas, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Vibrio fischeri. Hemming, J. M., Turner, P. K., Brooks, B. W., Waller, W. T., and La Point, T. W. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (Jan 2002) 42 (1): 9-16. NAL Call #: TD172.A7; ISSN: 0090-4341. 3. Atrazine remediation in wetland microcosms. Runes, H. B., Bottomley, P. J., Lerch, R. N., and Jenkins, J. J. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (May 2001) 20 (5): 1059-1066. NAL Call #: QH545.A1E58; ISSN: 0730-7268. Descriptors: atrazine/ wetlands/ pollution-control Abstract: Laboratory wetland microcosms were used to study treatment of atrazine in irrigation runoff by a field-scale-constructed wetland under controlled conditions. Three experiments, in which 1 ppm atrazine was added to the water column of three wetland, one soil control, and one water control microcosm, were conducted. Atrazine dissipation from the water column and degradate formation (deethylatrazine [DEA]; deisopropylatrazine [DIA]; and hydroxyatrazine [HA]) were monitored. Atrazine dissipation from the water column of wetland microcosms was biphasic. Less than 12% of the atrazine applied to wetland microcosms remained in the water column on day 56. Atrazine degradates were observed in water and sediment, with HA the predominant degradate. Analysis of day 56 sediment samples indicated that a significant portion of the initial application was detected as the parent compound and HA. Most probable number (MPN) assays demonstrated that atrazine degrader populations were small in wetland sediment. Wetland microcosms were able to reduce atrazine concentration in the water column via sorption and degradation. Based on results from this study, it is hypothesized that plant uptake contributed to atrazine dissipation from the water column. Laboratory wetland microcosms were used to study treatment of atrazine in irrigation runoff by a field-scale-constructed wetland under controlled conditions. Three experiments, in which 1 ppm atrazine was added to the water column of three wetland, one soil control, and one water control microcosm, were conducted. Atrazine dissipation from the water column and degradate formation (deethylatrazine [DEA]; deisopropylatrazine [DIA]; and hydroxyatrazine [HA]) were monitored. Atrazine dissipation from the water column of wetland microcosms was biphasic. Less than 12% of the atrazine applied to wetland microcosms remained in the water column on day 56. Atrazine degradates were observed in water and sediment, with HA the predominant degradate. Analysis of day 56 sediment samples indicated that a significant portion of the initial application was detected as the parent compound and HA. Most probable number (MPN) assays demonstrated that atrazine degrader populations were small in wetland sediment. Wetland microcosms were able to reduce atrazine concentration in the water column via sorption and degradation. Based on results from this study, it is hypothesized that plant uptake contributed to atrazine dissipation from the water column. 4. Buffer zones and constructed wetlands as filters for agricultural phosphorus. Uusi Kamppa, J., Braskerud, B., Jansson, H., Syversen, N., and Uusitalo, R. Journal of Environmental Quality (Jan/Feb 2000) 29 (1): 151-158. NAL Call #: QH540.J6; ISSN: 0047-2425. Descriptors: phosphorus/ wetlands/ pollution-control Abstract: Findings concerning P removal in buffer zones (BZs), constructed wetlands (CWs), and ponds in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are presented in this paper because most such studies have been published only in Nordic languages. Retention of P was tested in 11 BZs, four CWs (less than 0.5-m deep and vegetated with macrophytes), and seven ponds (deeper than 0.5 m). The grass buffer zone (GBZ) and vegetated buffer zone (VBZ) plots were compared with plots without a BZ; and P retention in CWs, Findings concerning P removal in buffer zones (BZs), constructed wetlands (CWs), and ponds in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are presented in this paper because most such studies have been published only in Nordic languages. Retention of P was tested in 11 BZs, four CWs (less than 0.5-m deep and vegetated with macrophytes), and seven ponds (deeper than 0.5 m). The grass buffer zone (GBZ) and vegetated buffer zone (VBZ) plots were compared with plots without a BZ; and P retention in CWs, ponds, and some BZs was estimated by subtracting total phosphorus (TP) mass in the outlet from TP mass in the inlet. Buffer zones decreased loads of TP from agricultural runoff water by 27 to 97% (0.24-0.67 kg ha-1 yr-1). The retention as a percentage increased with increasing BZ width. The BZ's upper part was, however, most effective in mitigating TP mass loads (1.6-4.4 g m-2), due to the importance of sedimentation as a retention process. The ponds and CWs reduced TP loads by 17 and 41%, respectively (2116 g m-2 yr-1). The retention increased with the surface-area/watershed-area ratio. CWs were more effective in retaining TP than were ponds, possibly due to shallower depths and dense vegetation. The retention of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) was inconsistent, both in BZs and in CWs. Vegetation should be harvested in BZs to decrease the DRP losses. Harvesting of vegetation is not recommended in CWs. 5. Carbon supply and the regulation of enzyme activity in constructed wetlands. Shackle, V. J., Freeman, C., and Reynolds, B. Soil Biology and Biochemistry (Nov 2000) 32 (13): 1935-1940. NAL Call #: S592.7.A1S6; ISSN: 0038-0717. Descriptors: wetlands/ soil-enzymes/ beta-glucosidase/ phosphoric-monoesterhydrolases/ arylsulfatase/ wetland-soils/ waste-treatment/ sewage-effluent/ glucose/ cellulose/ enzyme-activity/ Wales/ artificial-wetlands 6. Comparative economic analysis of using different sizes of constructed wetlands in recirculating catfish pond production. Posadas, B. C. Journal of Applied Aquaculture (2001) 11 (3): 1-19. NAL Call #: SH135.J69; ISSN: 1045-4438. Descriptors: ictalurus-punctatus/ wetlands/ fish-ponds/ fish-culture/ water-reuse/ economic-analysis/ evaluation/ size/ investment/ operating-costs/ Mississippi 7. Comparison of filter media, plant communities and microbioloy within constructed wetlands treating wastewater containing heavy metals. Scholz, M., Xu, J., and Dodson, H. I. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology (Aug 2001) 76 (8): 827-835. NAL Call #: TP1.J686; ISSN: 0268-2575. Descriptors: waste-water-treatment/ water-pollution/ polluted-water/ phragmitesaustralis/ typha-latifolia 8. Comparison of soil and other environmental conditions in constructed and adjacent palustrine reference wetlands. Stolt, M. H., Genthner, M. H., Daniels, W. L., Groover, V. A., Nagle, S., and Haering, K. C. Wetlands: the Journal of the Society of the Wetlands Scientists (Dec 2000) 20 (4): 671683. NAL Call #: QH75.A1W47; ISSN: 0277-5212. Descriptors: wetlands/ environmental-factors/ edaphic-factors/ hydrology/ soilproperties/ redox-potential/ comparisons/ Virginia/ wetland-mitigation/ hydric-soils/ constructed-wetlands 9. Comparison of vertical-flow constructed wetlands for the treatment of wastewater containing lead and copper. Scholz, M. and Xu, J. Journal of the Institution of Water and Environment Management (Nov 2001) 15 (4): 287-293. NAL Call #: TD420.W374; ISSN: 0951-7359. Descriptors: typha-latifolia/ phragmites-australis/ waste-water-treatment/ lead/ copper/ reduction/ water-flow/ artificial-wetlands Abstract: Abstract: This paper describes an investigation into the treatment efficiency and capital cost of vertical-flow constructed-wetland filters containing different plant communities angranular media with different adsorption capacities. The media included gravel, sand, granular-activated carbon, charcoal and filtralite (light expanded clay). Lead and copper sulphate were added to a polluted urban beck inflow water to simulate pretreated minewater or highway runoff. The interactions between growth media, microbial and plant composition and the reduction of lead, copper and BOD were investigated. For filters containing traditional media, a breakthorough of copper was recorded during the first nine weeks. After maturation of the biofilm, the wetlands performed well. Abstract: This paper describes an investigation into the treatment efficiency and capital cost of vertical-flow constructed-wetland filters containing different plant communities angranular media with different adsorption capacities. The media included gravel, sand, granular-activated carbon, charcoal and filtralite (light expanded clay). Lead and copper sulphate were added to a polluted urban beck inflow water to simulate pretreated minewater or highway runoff. The interactions between growth media, microbial and plant composition and the reduction of lead, copper and BOD were investigated. For filters containing traditional media, a breakthorough of copper was recorded during the first nine weeks. After maturation of the biofilm, the wetlands performed well. 10. Constructed wetlands. Sullivan, Preston. and Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (Organization). [Fayetteville, Ark.] : ATTRA, [2001] 1 v. (various pagings) : ill.:Caption title. "February 2001." Includes bibliographical references. NAL Call #: TD756.5-.S94-2001 Descriptors: Constructed-wetlands 11. Constructed wetlands and reed-beds: mature technology for the treatment of wastewater from small populations. Cooper, P. Journal of the Institution of Water and Environment Management (May 2001) 15 (2): 7985. NAL Call #: TD420.W374; ISSN: 0951-7359. Descriptors: waste-water-treatment/ wetlands/ biological-treatment/ phragmites-australis/ biochemical-oxygen-demand/ removal/ sewage-sludge/ drying/ rural-areas/ literaturereviews/ england/ artificial-wetlands Abstract: Abstract: This paper reivews the design and performance of constructed wetlands for the treatment of domestic sewage. Horizontal-flow systems have now Abstract: This paper reivews the design and performance of constructed wetlands for the treatment of domestic sewage. Horizontal-flow systems have now become accepted for secondary treatment where only BOD and SS consents are required. However, in recent years there has been increasing interest in systems such as verticalflow and hybrid systems which are capable of achieving good nitrification. These systems have a greater and more reliable capability for oxygen transfer. As yet, there are only a few systems of this type in the UK, but the number is likely to increase. The paper describes the performance of (a) secondary and tertiary treatment systems, and (b) sludge-drying reed-beds. 12. Constructed wetlands and water quality improvement (II) : January 1997-June 2000. Gagnon, Stuart. and Water Quality Information Center (U.S.). [Beltsville, Md.] : Water Quality Information Center at the National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, [2000]:Caption title. "118 citations from the AGRICOLA database." NAL Call #: aZ5853.S22-G34-2000 URL: URL: http://www.nal.usda.gov/wqic/Bibliographies/conwet2.html Descriptors: Constructed-wetlands-Bibliography/ Water-quality-managementBibliography 13. Constructed wetlands for mitigation of atrazine-associated agricultural runoff. Moore, M. T., Rodgers, J. H. Jr., Cooper, C. M., and Smith, S. Jr. Environmental Pollution (2000) 110 (3): 393-399. NAL Call #: QH545.A1E52; ISSN: 0269-7491. Descriptors: atrazine/ monitoring/ runoff/ wetlands/ pollution-control/ Mississippi/ wetland-mitigation 14. Constructed wetlands for pollution control : processes, performance, design and operation. International Water Association. IWA Specialist Group on Use of Macrophytes in Water Pollution Control. London : IWA Pub., 2000. xii, 156 p. : ill.:Includes bibliographical references (p. 141149) and index. NAL Call #: TD756.5-.C76-2000 Descriptors: Constructed-wetlands/ Sewage-Purification-Biological-treatment 15. Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. Sundaravadivel, M. and Vigneswaran, S. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology (2001) 31 (4): 351-409. NAL Call #: QH545.A1C7; ISSN: 1064-3389. Descriptors: pollutants/ wetlands/ artificial-wetlands 16. Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in cold climates. Mander, U. Ulo and Jenssen, P. D. Southampton, UK ; Boston : WIT Press, c2003. 325 p. : ill., map:Includes bibliographical references. NAL Call #: QH540-.I67-v.-11 Descriptors: Constructed-wetlands-Cold-weather-conditions/ Sewage-PurificationBiological-treatment/ Sewage-Purification-Cold-weather-conditions 17. Constructed wetlands treatment of high nitrogen landfill leachate.: Final report. Liehr, Sarah K. and Water Environment Research Foundation. Alexandria, VA : Water Treatment Research Foundation, 2000, c1999. 1 v. (various pagings) : ill.:"Project 94-IRM-U, 2000, Collection and treatment"--Cover. Includes bibliographical references (p. R-1--R-5). NAL Call #: TD756.5-.C663-2000 Descriptors: Constructed-wetlands-North-Carolina/ Nitrogen-North-Carolina/ LeachateNorth-Carolina 18. Constructed wetlands treatment of municipal wastewaters : manual. National Risk Management Research Laboratory (U.S.). Cincinnati, Ohio : National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, [2000]:Title from web page. Description based on content viewed Jan. 31, 2002. "EPA/625/R-99/010" Includes bibliographical references. NAL Call #: TD756.5-.C665-2000 URL: URL: http://www.epa.gov/ordntrnt/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/2001/wetlands/625r99010.pdf Descriptors: Constructed-wetlands/ Sewage-Purification-Biological-treatment 19. Critical role of macrophytes in achieving low iron concentrations in mine water treatment wetlands. Batty, L. C. and Younger, P. L. Environmental Science and Technology (Sept 15, 2002) 36 (18): 3997-4002. NAL Call #: TD420.A1E5; ISSN: 0013-936X. Descriptors: phragmites-australis/ uptake/ iron 20. The decentralization of private and municipal wastewater treatment through the development of a constructed wetlands policy. Robinson, M. L. Reno, Nev. : University of Nevada, Cooperative Extension, [2001] [6] p.:Caption title. Includes bibliographical references (p. [6]). NAL Call #: S87-.S7-no.-2001-13 21. Dipteran standing stock biomass and effects of aquatic bird predation at a constructed wetland. Ashley, M. C., Robinson, J. A., Oring, L. W., and Vinyard, G. A. Wetlands: the Journal of the Society of the Wetlands Scientists (Mar 2000) 20 (1): 84-90. NAL Call #: QH75.A1W47; ISSN: 0277-5212. Descriptors: waterfowl/ anas/ predation/ aquatic-invertebrates/ wetlands/ Nevada/ recurvirosta-americana/ phalaropus-tricolor/ anas-cyanoptera/ species-abundance 22. Early development of vascular vegetation of constructed wetlands in northwest Ohio receiving agricultural waters. Luckeydoo, L. M., Fausey, N. R., Brown, L. C., and Davis, C. B. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment (Jan 2002) 88 (1): 89-94. NAL Call #: S601.A34; ISSN: 0167-8809. Descriptors: wetlands/ vegetation/ irrigation-water/ pollution-control/ subsurfaceirrigation/ water-management/ water-reservoirs/ seed-germination/ revegetation/ groundcover/ natural-regeneration/ Ohio Abstract: Constructed wetlands are currently being explored for use in reducing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. The Wetland Reservoir Subirrigation System (WRSIS) project links water management in agricultural fields, constructed wetlands and water storage reservoirs to enhance crop production and reduce delivery of agrichemicals and sediments to local waterways. Three WRSIS demonstration sites have been developed on prior converted cropland in the Maumee River watershed located in northwest Ohio. Construction of the wetlands was completed in 1996 and they were then allowed to passively revegetate while receiving drainage water from adjacent fields. The primary goal of this study was to characterize the initial development of vegetation, and the availability of propagules within these wetlands. Preliminary vegetation inventories conducted in 1998 identified moderate species richness but low percentage of wetland species. A germination study completed on soils from one location showed additional viable wetland species available in the seed bank. Passive revegetation of these three constructed wetlands associated with WRSIS systems has resulted in good vegetation cover, but it is lacking the desired percentage of wetland species to date. Passive revegetation may prove to be an effective and economical method of revegetating constructed wetlands within agricultural landscapes that have suitable propagule Constructed wetlands are currently being explored for use in reducing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. The Wetland Reservoir Subirrigation System (WRSIS) project links water management in agricultural fields, constructed wetlands and water storage reservoirs to enhance crop production and reduce delivery of agrichemicals and sediments to local waterways. Three WRSIS demonstration sites have been developed on prior converted cropland in the Maumee River watershed located in northwest Ohio. Construction of the wetlands was completed in 1996 and they were then allowed to passively revegetate while receiving drainage water from adjacent fields. The primary goal of this study was to characterize the initial development of vegetation, and the availability of propagules within these wetlands. Preliminary vegetation inventories conducted in 1998 identified moderate species richness but low percentage of wetland species. A germination study completed on soils from one location showed additional viable wetland species available in the seed bank. Passive revegetation of these three constructed wetlands associated with WRSIS systems has resulted in good vegetation cover, but it is lacking the desired percentage of wetland species to date. Passive revegetation may prove to be an effective and economical method of revegetating constructed wetlands within agricultural landscapes that have suitable propagule