Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1021/es201536j
Title (Primary) Performance evaluation using a three compartment mass balance for the removal of volatile organic compounds in pilot scale constructed wetlands
Author Seeger, E.M.; Reiche, N.; Kuschk, P.; Borsdorf, H. ORCID logo ; Kaestner, M.
Source Titel Environmental Science & Technology
Year 2011
Department UBT; MET
Volume 45
Issue 19
Page From 8467
Page To 8474
Language englisch
Keywords Fuel hydrocarbon; BTEX; Plant root mat; Phytoremediation; Elimination processes
Abstract

To perform a general assessment of treatment efficiency, a mass balance study was undertaken for two types of constructed wetlands (CWs), planted gravel filters and plant root mat systems, for treating VOC (benzene; MTBE) polluted groundwater under field conditions. Contaminant fate was investigated in the respective water, plant, and atmosphere compartments by determining water and atmospheric contaminant loads and calculating contaminant plant uptake, thereby allowing for an extended efficiency assessment of CWs. Highest total VOC removal was achieved during summer, being pronounced for benzene compared to MTBE. According to the experimental results and the calculations generated by the balancing model, degradation in the rhizosphere and plant uptake accounted for the main benzene removal processes, of 76% and 13% for the gravel bed CW and 83% and 11% for the root mat system. Volatilization flux of benzene and MTBE was low (<5%) for the gravel bed CW, while in the root mat system direct contact of aqueous and gaseous phases favored total MTBE volatilization (24%). With this applied approach, we present detailed contaminant mass balances that allow for conclusive quantitative estimation of contaminant elimination and distribution processes (e.g., total, surface, and phytovolatilization, plant uptake, rhizodegradation) in CWs under field conditions.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=11067
Seeger, E.M., Reiche, N., Kuschk, P., Borsdorf, H., Kaestner, M. (2011):
Performance evaluation using a three compartment mass balance for the removal of volatile organic compounds in pilot scale constructed wetlands
Environ. Sci. Technol. 45 (19), 8467 - 8474 10.1021/es201536j