This paper presents an analysis of operating data from two types of subsurface flow wetland treatment systems operating in the temperate climate of North Alabama. Specifically data sets from five traditional gravity flow and a sequential batch reactor design treatment systems were used to quantify expected BOD, ammonia, nitrate and turbidity values. Since nitrogen compounds have been difficult to remove in the past, a statistical analysis was performed on the ammonia and nitrate removal efficiencies. A calculation of sample means revealed that the expected value of effluent ammonia and nitrate concentrations were 14 mg/L and 1.9 mg/L, respectively from the traditional systems. The reciprocating system showed expected effluent ammonia concentrations of 4.0 mg/L and nitrate of 12 mg/L. Thus the latter technique demonstrated greater success in nitrifying the ammonia and is an improvement over traditional gravity flow systems.
展开▼
