Macrophyte Sorption and Bioconcentration of Elements in a Pilot Constructed Wetland for Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewater Treatment

Authors: Sundberg-Jones, Sarah; Hassan, Sayed

Source: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, Volume 183, Numbers 1-4, July 2007 , pp. 187-200(14)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The sorption and bioconcentration of Hg, Se, and As were measured in Schoenoplectus californicus and Typha angustifolia in a pilot constructed wetland receiving wastewater inflows containing these elements at potentially hazardous levels. Results indicated that these species bioconcentrated Hg, Se, and As at factors of up to 1,911, 10,981, and 4,927, respectively. Plant tissue concentrations decreased as Hg, Se, and As were translocated from the roots to the aerial portions of the plant. Greatest element concentrations in S. californicus were found in roots, indicating that an exclusion mechanism may be responsible for element tolerance by this plant species. Greater root:shoot transfer of Hg, Se, and As was observed with T. angustifolia than with S. californicus, suggesting that element tolerance was more likely due to an internal detoxification mechanism. To completely assess ecological risks associated with the use of constructed wetlands, contaminant bioavailability for plant uptake, translocation, and bioconcentration must be considered.

Keywords: Arsenic; Constructed wetlands; Mercury; Plants; Schoenoplectus californicus; Selenium; Typha angustifolia; Wastewater

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-007-9368-2

Affiliations: 1: Email: sejones@brwncald.com

Publication date: 2007-07-01