Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.217
Document accepted manuscript
Title (Primary) Evaluation of the hydrological flow paths in a gravel bed filter modeling a horizontal subsurface flow wetland by using a multi-tracer experiment
Author Birkigt, J.; Stumpp, C.; Małoszewski, P.; Nijenhuis, I.
Source Titel Science of the Total Environment
Year 2018
Department ISOBIO
Volume 621
Page From 265
Page To 272
Language englisch
Supplements https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0048969717332758-mmc1.pdf
Keywords Constructed wetland; Multi tracer test; Mathematical modeling; Chlorobenzene
UFZ wide themes RU3;
Abstract In recent years, constructed wetland systems have become into focus as means of cost-efficient organic contaminant management. Wetland systems provide a highly reactive environment in which several removal pathways of organic chemicals may be present at the same time; however, specific elimination processes and hydraulic conditions are usually separately investigated and thus not fully understood. The flow system in a three dimensional pilot-scale horizontal subsurface constructed wetland was investigated applying a multi-tracer test combined with a mathematical model to evaluate the flow and transport processes. The results indicate the existence of a multiple flow system with two distinct flow paths through the gravel bed and a preferential flow at the bottom transporting 68% of tracer mass resulting from the inflow design of the model wetland system. There the removal of main contaminant chlorobenzene was up to 52% based on different calculation approaches. Determined retention times in the range of 22 d to 32.5 d the wetland has a heterogeneous flow pattern. Differences between simulated and measured tracer concentrations in the upper sediment indicate diffusion dominated processes due to stagnant water zones. The tracer study combining experimental evaluation with mathematical modeling demonstrated the complexity of flow and transport processes in the constructed wetlands which need to be taken into account during interpretation of the determining attenuation processes.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=19662
Birkigt, J., Stumpp, C., Małoszewski, P., Nijenhuis, I. (2018):
Evaluation of the hydrological flow paths in a gravel bed filter modeling a horizontal subsurface flow wetland by using a multi-tracer experiment
Sci. Total Environ. 621 , 265 - 272 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.217