Removal of micropollutants in medium-sized WWTP by vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs): performance under laboratory and real conditions

Micropollutants generated in urban agglomerates are commonly found in aquatic environments where they may present a potential danger. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an attractive alternative for the removal of those compounds from the effluent of medium-sized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To this end, the INTERREG Greater Region-funded project EmiSûre aims to find solutions to mitigate the emission of micropollutants from wastewater facilities. As a part of the project, this study starts with the trial of vertical flow (VF) CWs under lab-scale conditions aiming to select the best substrate. Following steps are designed to optimize the performance of VFCWs in terms of removal of micropollutans under real conditions (i.e. matrix, seasonal changes, temperature) and to derive first approaches for dimensioning. From all the examined substrates, activated biocoal showed the best results in removing macro- and micropollutants and is expected to be the most suitable substrate in long term perspectives.