Removal of micropollutants and biological effects by conventional and intensified constructed wetlands treating municipal wastewater

Seven treatment wetlands and a municipal wastewater plant (WWTP) were weekly monitored over the course of one year for removal conventional parameters, selected micropollutants (caffeine, ibuprofen, naproxen, benzotriazole, diclofenac, acesulfame, carbamazepine) biological effects. The wetland designs investigated include horizontal subsurface flow (HF) variety with intensification (aeration, two-stages, or reciprocating flow). Complementary to common approach analyzing individual chemicals, in vitro bioassays can detect toxicity mixture known unknown components given water sample. A panel five cell-based reporter gene was cover environmentally relevant endpoints (AhR: indicative activation aryl hydrocarbon receptor; PPARγ: binding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma; ERα: estrogen alpha; GR: glucocorticoid oxidative stress response). While carbamazepine persistent intensified wetlands, mean monthly mass up 51% achieved HF wetland. two-stage system showed highest efficacy all effects (91% >99%). ranged from 56% 77% 60% 99% WWTP. Bioanalytical equivalent concentrations (BEQs) AhR, PPARγ, response often below recommended effect-based trigger (EBT) values surface water, indicating great benefit using nature-based solutions treatment. Intensified remove both more efficiently than (non-aerated) some cases,