Constructed wetlands as post treatment of a decanter digester followed by an anaerobic filter

Abstract

The amount of wastewater has increased due to the considerable expansion of higher education institutions. When wastewater is released without treatment or with inefficient treatment, it causes significant water pollution. In this context, this study evaluated the performance of Constructed Wetlands as a post-treatment of a decanter digester followed by an anaerobic filter, operated with effluent from the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá Campus, Mato Grosso State.  Four wetlands were constructed to develop the research: planted with Typha domingensis, planted with Heliconia psittacorum, planted with Pontederia parviflora, and not planted. The following physicochemical parameters were analyzed:  Color, Turbidity, pH, Temperature, Total Solids, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen, Sulfate, Nitrate and Nitrite. The results show an organic matter removal efficiency with mean removal results: 70% BOD₅ for TCW, HCW and PCW; and COD 76% for PCW. The mean removal of total phosphorus was 78% for PCW and 92% NO^-2, as macronutrients. Analysis of variance ANOVA shows significance in the results of TDS, SO₄ and COD removal.