Evaluation of contaminants of emerging concern attenuation through a vegetation filter managed using different operating conditions

Huidobro, B. and Martínez-Hernández, V. and Barbero, L. and Meffe, R. and Nozal, L. and De Bustamante, I. (2023) Evaluation of contaminants of emerging concern attenuation through a vegetation filter managed using different operating conditions. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 459 (132217). pp. 1-13.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132217

Abstract

In wastewater treatment using Vegetation Filters (VFs), natural processes reduce contaminants present in water although some of them can reach the environment. In this study, 39 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are evaluated in a pilot VF under different operating conditions during almost four years. The use of woodchip amendments and the change from surface irrigation through furrows to drip irrigation (and from weekly to daily water application) provide CEC concentration reductions in the water infiltrating through the vadose zone. Biodegradation is the main process taking place and has been favoured mainly by woodchip soil amendments and the increased residence. Median attenuation percentages of the CECs most frequently detected with highest concentrations in applied wastewater vary between 52% and 100% at the end of the study (at 45 cm depth). Among targeted CECs, caffeine, and its transformation product paraxanthine are the most attenuated. Flecainide and venlafaxine show a persistent behaviour. However, their leaching concentrations are very low (< 31 ng/L). Concerning the underlying aquifer, the groundwater quality in terms of CEC concentrations is conditioned by the surrounding area rather than the operation of the VF. Levels in groundwater are always below those in wastewater and infiltrating water.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Supplementary data associated with this article can be found in the online version at doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132217.
Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry
S Agriculture > SD Forestry
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Depositing User: Lucía Barbero
Date Deposited: 21 Sep 2023 07:10
Last Modified: 21 Sep 2023 07:10
URI: http://eprints.imdea-agua.org:13000/id/eprint/1540

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