Clogging development and hydraulic performance of the horizontal subsurface flow stormwater constructed wetlands: a laboratory study

The horizontal subsurface constructed wetland (HSSF CW) is a highly effective technique for stormwater treatment. However, progressive clogging in HSSF CW is a widespread operational problem. The aim of this study was to understand the clogging development of HSSF CWs during stormwater treatment and to assess the influence of microorganisms and vegetation on the clogging. Moreover, the hydraulic performance of HSSF CWs in the process of clogging was evaluated in a tracer experiment. The results show that the HSSF CW can be divided into two sections, section I (circa 0–35 cm) and section II (circa 35–110 cm). The clogging is induced primarily by solid entrapment in section I and development of biofilm and vegetation roots in section II, respectively. The influence of vegetation and microorganisms on the clogging appears to differ in sections I and II. The tracer experiment shows that the hydraulic efficiency (λ) and the mean hydraulic retention time (tmean) increase with the clogging development; although, the short-circuiting region (S) extends slightly. In addition, the presence of vegetation can influence the hydraulic performance of the CWs, and their impact depends on the characteristics of the roots.