Application of hybrid vertical flow constructed wetland systems to treatment of greywater for their use to irrigation in rural areas

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2023-08, Vol.412, p.137368, Article 137368
• Main Authors: Norouzi Parei, A., Naeeni, S.T.O., Akbari, Z.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorbent; Greywater; Incinerator bottom ash; Recycling; Treatment; Vertical flow constructed wetlands
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137368

Access to water supply is currently one of the biggest social and economic challenges in many parts of the world. Iran is currently experiencing serious water problems. One of the appropriate solutions to overcome the existing challenge is to pay attention to alternative water sources such as treated greywater. In the present study the performance of greywater treatment system consists of a vertical flow constructed wetland followed by column filled with combined inexpensive adsorbents in a series was investigated. The absorption capacity of incinerator bottom ash (IBA), rice husk, pumice, dried stems of Phragmites Australis (PA) and activated carbon (as control) absorbents were assessed by analyzing the quality of the influent and effluent streams through testing COD, PO4−3, NO3−, EC and TSS in greywater. After evaluating the treatment capacity of the above absorbents, it was concluded that IBA and dried stems of PA are the most effective material to reach the irrigation water quality. Then, using them, a hybrid pilot-scale experimental system was designed to study the treatment of greywater. This hybrid system efficiently removes COD, NO3− –N and PO4−3 by up to 90.35%, 100% and90.2%, respectively.