Treatment systems that utilize natural processes, such as constructed wetlands, offer an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to conventional methods of wastewater treatment. Liquid dairy wastewater was loaded into two similar surface flow treatment wetlands, each with a surface area of 100 m2, at a rate of approximately 65 kg BOD5 ha-1 d-1. A diffused aeration system was installed into one of the wetlands. The treatment efficiency of each wetland was evaluated based on the systems' ability to remove pollutants from wastewater during the period of September 2002 through April 2004. Results indicate that artificial aeration increased the treatment efficiency of wastewater parameters, particularly in terms of N components. However, the benefits offered by the aeration system are limited to wastewater parameters governed by biological and chemical processes and the system did not have an effect on those parameters controlled by physical processes.
展开▼
