Abstract—The objective of the present study was to assess the simultaneous removal of physiochemical parameters in moderate strength wastewater using a lab scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HFCW) with naturalzeolite as a substrate. In this study, high-density polyethylene tanks (0.36 m2) were planted with phragmites australis and scirpus maritimus and received 0.012 m3/d to 0.08 m3/d of synthetic wastewater corresponding to a HLR of 0.035 to 0.243m/d and a COD loading rate of 0.0148 kg COD (m2.d)-1 to 0.026kg COD (m2.d)-1. The HFCW was subjected to three hydraulic retention times (HRT) for 4, 3 and 2 days respectively. Averaged data reported coincided with the plant age (4 to 55weeks) and covered the entire cold season and early part of the hot season. Based on the 55 weeks of operation, the HFCW unit with zeolite achieved significantly higher removal for COD (85to 88%), TN (54 to 96%), NH4-N (50 to 99%) and TSS (91 to96%) respectively at all HRT. This system was proved to be tolerant to high organic loadings and nutrients, suggesting these substrates.

Index Terms—Constructed wetland, horizontal subsurface flow, hydraulic retention time, zeolite.

S. Nor Lila is with Deakin University, School of Engineering, Pigdons Road, Geelong, Victoria 3217 Australia. Phone: +614 33771526 ; e-mail: (nlshu@deakin.edu.au)

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Cite: Shuib N., Baskaran K., V. Jegatheesan, "Evaluating the Performance of Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands Using Natural Zeolite (escott)," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 311-315, 2011.