Performance of a subsurface-flow constructed wetland in Southern China

The operational performance of a full-scale subsurface-flow constructed wetland, which treated the mixed industrial and domestic wastewater with BOD5/COD mean ratio of 0.33 at Shatian, Shenzhen City was studied. The constructed wetland system consists of screens, sump, pumping station, and primary settling basin, facultative pond, first stage wetland and secondary stage wetland. The designed treatment capacity is 5000 m(3)/d, and the actual influent flow is in the range of < 2000 to > 10000 m(3)/d. Under normal operational conditions, the final effluent quality well met the National Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB 8978-1996), with the following parameters(mean values): COD 33.90 mg/L, BOD5 7.65 mg/L, TSS 7.92 mg/L, TN 9.11 mg/L and TP 0.56 mg/L. Seven species of plants were selected to grow in the wetland: Reed, Sweetcane flower Silvergrass, Great Bulrush, Powdery Thalia and Canna of three colours. The growing season is a whole year-round. The seasonal discrepancy could be observed and the plants growing in the wetland are vulnerable to lower temperature in winter. The recycling of the effluent in the first stage of the wetland system is an effective measure to improve the performance of the wetland system. The insufficient DO value in the wetland system not only had significant effect on pollutants removal in the wetland, but also was unfavourable to plant growth. The recycling of effluent to the inlet of wetland system and artificial pond to increase DO value of influent to the wetland is key to operate the subsurface constructed wetland steadily and effectively.