Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.2166/wst.2015.238
Title (Primary) Field application of a planted fixed bed reactor (PFR) for support media and rhizosphere investigation using undisturbed samples from full-scale constructed wetlands
Author Barreto, A.B.; Vasconcellos, G.R.; von Sperling, M.; Kuschk, P.; Kappelmeyer, U. ORCID logo ; Vasel, J.L.
Source Titel Water Science and Technology
Year 2015
Department UBT
Volume 72
Issue 4
Page From 553
Page To 560
Language englisch
Keywords horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands; planted fixed bed reactor; rhizosphere; redox potential
UFZ wide themes RU3;
Abstract This study presents a novel method for investigations on undisturbed samples from full-scale horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands (HSSFCW). The planted fixed bed reactor (PFR), developed at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ), is a universal test unit for planted soil filters that reproduces the operational conditions of a constructed wetland (CW) system in laboratory scale. The present research proposes modifications on the PFR original configuration in order to allow its operation in field conditions. A mobile device to obtain undisturbed samples from real-scale HSSFCW was also developed. The experimental setting is presented with two possible operational configurations. The first allows the removal and replacement of undisturbed samples in the CW bed for laboratory investigations, guaranteeing sample integrity with a mobile device. The second allows the continuous operation of the PFR and undisturbed samples as a fraction of the support media, reproducing the same environmental conditions outside the real-scale system. Investigations on the hydrodynamics of the adapted PFR were carried out with saline tracer tests, validating the proposed adaptation. Six adapted PFR units were installed next to full-scale HSSFCW beds and fed with interstitial liquid pumped from two regions of planted and unplanted support media. Fourteen points were monitored along the system, covering carbon fractions, nitrogen and sulfate. The results indicate the method as a promising tool for investigations on CW support media, rhizosphere and open space for studies on CW modeling, respirometry, kinetic parameters, microbial communities, redox potential and plant influence on HSSFCW.    
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=16265
Barreto, A.B., Vasconcellos, G.R., von Sperling, M., Kuschk, P., Kappelmeyer, U., Vasel, J.L. (2015):
Field application of a planted fixed bed reactor (PFR) for support media and rhizosphere investigation using undisturbed samples from full-scale constructed wetlands
Water Sci. Technol. 72 (4), 553 - 560 10.2166/wst.2015.238