Treatment wetlands and phyto-technologies for remediation of winery effluent: Challenges and opportunities

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2022-02, Vol.807 (Pt 1), p.150544-150544, Article 150544
• Main Authors: Mader, Anthony E., Holtman, Gareth A., Welz, Pamela J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradation, Environmental; Biological sand filter; Halophyte; Phytoremediation; Salt-Tolerant Plants; Treatment wetland; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Water; Wetlands; Winery wastewater
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150544

The composition and concentration of contaminants present in winery wastewater fluctuate through space and time, presenting a challenge for traditional remediation methods. Bio-hydrogeochemical engineered systems, such as treatment wetlands, have been demonstrated to effectively reduce contaminant loads prior to disposal or reuse of the effluent. This review identifies and details the status quo and challenges associated with (i) the characteristics of winery wastewater, and the (ii) functional components, (iii) operational parameters, and (iv) performance of treatment wetlands for remediation of winery effluent. Potential solutions to challenges associated with these aspects are presented, based on the latest literature. A particular emphasis has been placed on the phytoremediation of winery wastewater, and the rationale for selection of plant species for niche bioremediatory roles. This is attributed to previously reported low-to-negative removal percentages of persistent contaminants, such as salts and heavy metals that may be present in winery wastewater. A case for the inclusion of selected terrestrial halophytes in treatment wetlands and in areas irrigated using winery effluent is discussed. These are plant species that have an elevated ability to accumulate, cross-tolerate and potentially remove a range of persistent contaminants from winery effluent via various phytotechnologies (e.g., phytodesalination). [Display omitted] •Review of WWW remediation by TWs relative to bio-hydrogeochemical components•Salinity impacts inorganic remediation by TWs and wastewater reuse.•Review presents case for novel application of terrestrial halophytes.•Halophytes are viable alternatives to macrophytes for saline wastewater treatment.•Review describes solutions to challenges impacting sustainability of wine industry.