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The Potential Role of Hybrid Constructed Wetlands Treating University Wastewater—Experience from Northern Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Stevo Lavrnić

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Maribel Zapater Pereyra

    (Independent Researcher, Gottfried-Keller-Str. 25, 81245 Munich, Germany)

  • Sandra Cristino

    (Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Domenico Cupido

    (Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy)

  • Giovanni Lucchese

    (Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy)

  • Maria Rosaria Pascale

    (Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Attilio Toscano

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Maurizio Mancini

    (Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

University wastewater is a type of wastewater with higher pollutants load and flow rate variability than typical domestic wastewater. Constructed wetlands (CW) could be used for university wastewater treatment and consequently for wastewater reuse. A hybrid CW pilot plant, at the University of Bologna (Italy), was monitored to assess its potential to be used at the university. Its treatment performance was monitored for one year and public acceptance explored through a survey. The pilot plant had two treatment lines, (1) a vertical flow CW (VFCW) and a planted horizontal flow CW (HFCW), and (2) the same VFCW and an unplanted horizontal flow filter (HFF). The HFCW achieved higher removals than the HFF, but it was also found to be prone to higher water losses. However, both treatment lines met the Italian limits for discharge in natural water bodies and some of the limits for wastewater reuse in Italy and the EU. The VFCW alone was not able to meet the same limits, demonstrating the advantages of hybrid over single stage CWs. A positive attitude towards CWs and wastewater reuse was found among the survey participants. Therefore, hybrid CWs (planted and unplanted) are considered a feasible technology for application at universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Stevo Lavrnić & Maribel Zapater Pereyra & Sandra Cristino & Domenico Cupido & Giovanni Lucchese & Maria Rosaria Pascale & Attilio Toscano & Maurizio Mancini, 2020. "The Potential Role of Hybrid Constructed Wetlands Treating University Wastewater—Experience from Northern Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:24:p:10604-:d:464733
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Everard, Mark & Harrington, Rory & McInnes, Robert J., 2012. "Facilitating implementation of landscape-scale water management: The integrated constructed wetland concept," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 2(C), pages 27-37.
    2. Chengxiang Zhang & Li Wen & Yuyu Wang & Cunqi Liu & Yan Zhou & Guangchun Lei, 2020. "Can Constructed Wetlands be Wildlife Refuges? A Review of Their Potential Biodiversity Conservation Value," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Angela Gorgoglione & Vincenzo Torretta, 2018. "Sustainable Management and Successful Application of Constructed Wetlands: A Critical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-19, October.
    4. Massimo Raboni & Renato Gavasci & Giordano Urbini, 2014. "UASB followed by Sub-Surface Horizontal Flow Phytodepuration for the Treatment of the Sewage Generated by a Small Rural Community," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(10), pages 1-15, October.
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    2. Karolina Jóźwiakowska & Piotr Bugajski, 2023. "Influence of the Bed Temperature on the Operational Reliability of a Hybrid Constructed Wetland Wastewater Treatment Plant in South-Western Poland—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-21, July.

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