Eficiencia de un wetland construido al alcanzar su madurez

MAINE, M. A.; HADAD H. R.; SANCHEZ, G.C.; CAFFARATTI, S.E.; PEDRO, M.C.; MUFARREGE, M. M.; DI LUCA, G. A.

Punta Cana

Congreso; 32º Congreso Interamericano de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental. Asociación Interamericana de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental; 2010

Asociación Interamericana de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental

The metalurgic industry Bahco Argentina (currently Snap-on) treats its effluents with a free-water surface constructed wetland (CW), operating since 2003. The effluent contain Cr, Ni and Zn, and shows high conductivity and pH.  This work compares the contaminant and nutrient retention efficiency of the CW between its initial stage and at maturity stage. The CW is 50 m long, 40 m wide, with a central baffle. Monthly, the inlet and outlet effluents were analysed and the TP, Ni, Cr and Zn concentrations were determined in inlet and outlet sediments and in leaves and roots. The retention efficiency for the most of the monitored parameters was significatively higher when the CW reach its maturity in comparison with the early plant growth stages. The plant cover and biomass varied seasonally, which have no an influence on the system efficiency. Metal concentrations in the outlet bottom sediment do not showed statistical significant differences with the initial values, because the contaminants were retained mainly in the inlet zone. The obtained results suggest that the contaminant removal efficiency could be maintained along time if the present management practices are maintained.