Hindawi Publishing Corporation

International Journal of Chemical Engineering

Volume 2010, Article ID 412734, 6 pages
doi:10.1155/2010/412734

Research Article
Modeling the Effect of Plants and Peat on Evapotranspiration in
Constructed Wetlands

Florent Chazarenc,1, 2 Simon Naylor,2 Yves Comeau,2 Gérard Merlin,3 and Jacques Brisson1
1 Institutde Recherche en Biologie végétale, Université de Montréal, 4101 Sherbrooke St. East, Montréal, QC, Canada H1X 2B2
2 Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, École Polytechnique, Montréal, QC, Canada H3C 3A7
3 Laboratoire Optimisation de la Conception et Ingénierie de l’Environnement, Université de Savoie, Campus Scientifique,

73 376 Le Bourget du Lac Cedex, France

Correspondence should be addressed to Florent Chazarenc, [email protected]

Received 15 January 2010; Accepted 17 April 2010

Academic Editor: Evans M. Nkhalambayausi-Chirwa

Copyright © 2010 Florent Chazarenc et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly
cited.

Evapotranspiration (ET) in constructed wetlands (CWs) represents a major factor affecting hydrodynamics and treatment
performances. The presence of high ET was shown to improve global treatment performances, however ET is affected by a wide
range of parameters including plant development and CWs age. Our study aimed at modelling the effect of plants and peat on
ET in CWs; since we hypothesized peat could behave like the presence of accumulated organic matter in old CWs. Treatment
performances, hydraulic behaviour, and ET rates were measured in eight 1 m2 CWs mesocosm (1 unplanted, 1 unplanted with
peat, 2 planted with Phragmites australis, 2 planted with Typha latifolia and 2 planted with Phragmites australis with peat). Two
models were built using first order kinetics to simulate COD and TKN removal with ET as an input. The effect of peat was positive
on ET and was related to the better growth conditions it offered to macrophytes. Removal efficiency in pilot units with larger ET
was higher for TKN. On average, results show for COD a k20 value of 0.88 d−1 and 0.36 d−1 for TKN. We hypothesized that the
main effect of ET was to concentrate effluent, thus enhancing degradation rates.

1. Introduction by environmental conditions [11, 12]. Furthermore, in

modeling or design equations, ET can be taken into account
In constructed wetlands (CWs) for wastewater treatment, as an input to the model [8].
evapotranspiration (ET) may represent a major factor The aim of our work was first to determine (1) the effect
increasing the hydraulic residence time (HRT) during sum- of peat and of plant species on ET, since we hypothesized
mer months in temperate countries. In horizontal subsurface peat could behave like presence of accumulated organic
flow constructed wetlands (HSSFCWs), ET ranges between matter in old CWs and (2) the importance of ET on
0 and 50 mm/d [1] and can reach up to 200 mm/d in treatment performances in an experimental constructed
favorable periods [2]. High ET may improve global treatment wetland system. The hydraulic behavior of pilot scale CWs
performances [3] and modify water flow [4]. ET follows a was modeled during high ET rate periods and with ET values
diurnal cycle and is affected by a wide range of parameters as an input of the hydraulics and performance models.
such as plant development, CW design (surface, subsurface
or vertical flow), and CW age [5].
Simulations were used to predict the performance of 2. Material and Methods
CWs using a direct plug flow reactor model [1], a plug
flow with axial dispersion model (PFD) [4, 6–8], a stirred Eight 1 m2 wetland mesocosms (1.2 m long × 0.8 m wide
tank in series model [9] or a combination of these models × 0.3 m deep) were used in this study. Each mesocosm
[10]. One of the most limiting factors in predicting CWs (Figure 1) was fed with 30 L/d (two batches per day) of
efficiency was identified as the hydraulic behavior governed a reconstituted fish farm effluent (187 mg TSS/L, 373 mg
2 International Journal of Chemical Engineering

Reed absorption spectophotometry. The amount of daily water

lost by ET was estimated as the difference between inflow and
Inlet outflow. Treatment performances (P) were calculated based
Outlet and on pollutant mass flow removal
level control  
Substrate: SLG Qi · Ci
or SLG + peat P = 100 · 1 − , (1)
Qo · Co
Roots
development where Q = flow, C = pollutant concentration, i = inlet, o =
mainly in upper outlet.
layer
2.1. Hydraulic Models. The plug flow with axial dispersion
Figure 1: Section view of a mesocosm. model (PFD) [15] was preferred to the classical plug flow
model with a background concentration (see [16]). This
Table 1: Description of mesocosms, pulse input tracer, evapotran- choice was made in order to achieve the objective of
spiration, and aboveground biomass. estimating the effect of plant presence and activity on
dispersion inside the mesocosm.
Above A second model was built (using the object oriented
Pilot Tracer Average
Plant Peat τ 2 ts3 ground Visim software), based on the hypothesis of a two layers
ID1 recovered ET rates
biomass flows: (1) the surface layer modeling the rhizomial part of
% d d mm/d kg/m2 the mesocosm, with a time delay block taking into account
U1 no no 75.5 3.6 5.4 0.3 — ET, and (2) a bottom layer. The two-layer model (TLM) was
U2 no yes 85.1 4.1 9.9 0.2 — built by associating several basic blocks (continuous stirred
R1 Reed no 65.1 4.4 7.0 8.0 1.2 tank, plug flow and gain) specified using Laplace transforms
(Figure 4).
R2 Reed no 61.2 4.2 5.9 6.3 0.9
C1 Cattail no 67.4 3.9 5.9 3.8 0.2
2.2. Performance Models. COD and TKN treatment perfor-
C2 Cattail no 61.8 4.3 6.1 7.3 0.6
mances were predicted by using an integrated form of the two
R3 Reed yes 27.2 6.0 7.7 16.7 2.3 hydraulics models. Volumetric first order kinetics (k) were
R4 Reed yes 41.0 5.9 9.2 16.4 2.2 assumed for COD and TKN degradation rate. The integrated
1 Adaptedfrom Naylor et al. [13]. forms of the PFD model [17] and of the TLM are presented
2 TheoreticalHRT (τ) was calculated following the method described in respectively in
Chazarenc et al. [8].
3 Experimental HRT (ts) was determined using integration of response
Cs 4 · a·e(Pe/2)
curves. = 2 (a·Pe/2) 2
Co (1 + a) e − (1 − a) e(−a·Pe/2)

4·k·τ (2)
COD/L and 12.4 mg TKN/L). All mesocosms were filled with a = 1+ ,
with a combination of rock media (Table 1) and in four Pe
of them 60 L of peat was added and mixed (initially to Cs 1 1
reduce alkalinity caused by steel slag). The substrate was =G· · e(−k·td) + (1 − G) · ,
Co (1 + 2 · k)2 (1 + 2 · k)2
composed by mass of 25% 5–10 mm electric arc furnace
EAF-steel slag, 20% 2.5–10 mm limestone, and 55% of 2.5– with Cs, Co: outlet and inlet COD and TKN concentration,
10 mm granite gravel. Four mesocosms were planted with respectively, [mg/L], Pe: Péclet number according to PFD
Phragmites australis, two with Typha latifolia and two were model. Pe = 1/D with D System dispersion number [−], τ:
left unplanted (Table 1). Planting was done one year prior HRT estimated with PFD model [d]. td: time delay in
to the experiment, during the summer of 2000, to allow first layer of the conceptualized model [d], k: first-order
adequate establishment. More details on the experimental volumetric kinetic constant [d−1 ]. k = k20 (θ)(T −20 ) with
setup are provided by [13]. T effective temperature. θ constant (1.06). k20 first-order
Experiments were conducted between July and August volumetric kinetic constant at 20◦ C, determined for COD
2001 in a greenhouse at the Botanical Garden of Montreal. and TKN [d−1 ]. G: ratio in the first layer of the TLM model
Concentration of TSS, COD, and TKN were measured daily [−]
at the inlet and outlet of each mesocosms according to Those two models have been used to simulate treatment
standards methods [14]. Pulse input tracer studies were performances on COD and TKN removal during the 30 days
conducted using lithium chloride (LiCl) simultaneously of test.
in all eight mesocosms operating at the same inflow.
HRT was estimated by injecting 15 L of tracer (33 mg 3. Results And Discussion
Li+ /L) over a period of 5 minutes in each mesocosm
and outlet concentrations were measured daily during 30 3.1. Influence of Peat on ET Rates and Hydraulic. On average,
days. Lithium concentrations were determined by atomic ET was highest in planted peat mesocosms (16.7 mm/d
International Journal of Chemical Engineering 3

Table 2: Simulation results of hydraulic models (∗ Pearson correla- 100

tion).
80
PFD model TLM Visim model

Mass removal (%)

D τPFD Ratio in layer
60
(−) (day) R2 1 (G) Time delay R2
U1 0.21 3 99.6 0.5 0 98.1 40
U2 0.36 3.6 97.8 — — —
R1 0.14 4.4 97.1 0.7 1.7 95.1 20
R2 0.25 3.4 98.7 0.6 0.8 97
C1 0.3 3 97.8 0.6 0.4 94.8 0
C2 0.27 3.2 95.4 0.6 0.4 95.3 0 U1 U2 R1 R2 C1 C2 R3 R4

COD
in R3) and lowest in the unplanted control without peat TKN
(0.1 mm/d in U1). Maximal daily values were estimated at Figure 2: Treatment performances during the 30-day test.
20 mm/d in R3 and R4, which are in accordance with values
proposed in the literature [1, 3, 4].
Association between reed and peat generated the most
important ET rates (Table 2). The positive effect of peat on
ET can be explained on the one hand by the better growth there was little variation in D values between mesocosms.
conditions it offered to plants (presence of more plant This was probably due to the small size of the mesocosms
biomass). On the other, the effect of peat on mesocosms which led to a permanent bypass along the wall.
hydraulic behavior was hypothesized to be similar to accu-
mulated organic matter appearing in constructed wetlands 3.3. Effect of ET Rates on COD and TKN Removal, Modeling.
over time [18]. As observed between the two unplanted units, No TSS removal differences were found between the different
peat enhanced the retention by acting as a sponge. In absence mesocosms (results not shown). COD removal was higher
of peat, while the HRT remained fairly close to the theoretical in U1 than in U2, and this was likely due to the release
value in U1, it was up to 30% greater than the theoretical of organic carbon by the peat. This difference was less
hydraulic residence time value in pilot units with high ET pronounced between R1 and R2 (planted with reed) and R3
(those with large active macrophytes). Experimental HRT, and R4 (planted with reed and with peat). Overall, there were
determined using response curves (Figure 2), were always slight differences between performances of all the planted
greater than theoretical values (Table 2). This was a possible mesocosms for COD degradation (Figure 1), irrespective of
consequence of the non-ideal flow in the different reactors. ET and plant species.
Removal efficiency in pilot units with higher ET (more
3.2. Influence of Plant Presence and Species on ET Rates and than 50% of inflow) was greater for TKN (Figure 1). In R3
Hydraulic. Effects of Phragmites and Typha on ET rates were and R4 mesocosms, average net rate of N mineralization
similar (Table 2). The relationship between ET and plants values of 0.36 g m−2 d−1 were reported (which represented
seemed mostly related to plant biomass irrespective of plant almost all of the input) until in unplanted units it was
species. about 0.15 g m−2 d−1 . In similar pilot units and experimen-
The ratio of tracer collected at outlets was sufficient tal conditions, rates of 0.22 to 0.53 g m−2 d−1 have been
for a more detailed analysis in all cases except for the R3 reported [20]. Nitrification should have been enhanced by
and R4 mesocosms where less than 45% of the tracer was the presence of well established plant biomass associated to
recovered (Table 1). In the response curves of the R3 and high ET rates, furthermore the contact time between plants
R4 mesocosms, a small tracer peak was observed after which shoots (the principal oxygen supplier in HSSFCWs) and
lithium concentrations never returned to background levels, effluent was extended.
even after 30 days (not shown). This was most probably the Performance models (2) were used to predict treatment
consequence of the sorption of lithium by peat (also observed performances of pilots U1, R1, R2, C1, C2. The first step
in a minor extend in unplanted U2) followed by slow release was to determine the best k20 value for COD and TKN, to
back into solution [19] associated to ET cumulative effects. fit the model with experimental data. On average, results
Results from R3 and R4 were not further analyzed. show a k20 value of 0.88 for COD removal and 0.36 for TKN
The PFD and the TLM models (Figure 4) were used to fit removal. Large ranges of annual average values, from 0.06 to
the experimental response curve. System dispersion numbers 6.11 for BOD5 and from 0.06 to 0.16 for TKN are reported
(D), estimated by fitting experimental data with PFD model, for CWs [16]. Our results are on the same order for COD
were in the range of 0.14 to 0.36 (Figure 3) which is in the (while assuming a ratio of 0.25 for BOD5 /COD). High values
observed range of 0.009 to 0.48 for D values in HSSFCWs [1]. obtained for TKN kinetics are probably a consequence of the
In HSSFCWs it was shown that presence of high rates of ET favourable conditions (high temperatures, plant activities)
generally leads to a decrease of D values [4, 8]. In our study, during the experiment.
4 International Journal of Chemical Engineering

0.16 0.16

0.12 0.12
E(t)

E(t)
0.08 0.08

0.04 0.04

0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Time (day) Time (day)
U1: Unplanted 1 R1: Reed 1
U2: Unplanted 2 (peat) R2: Reed 2
(a) (b)
0.16

0.12
E(t)

0.08

0.04

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Time (day)

C1: Cattail 1
C2: Cattail 2
(c)

Figure 3: Response curves of the different pilots.

ET effect (time delay) 0.12

Separation in surface
and bottom layer 0.1
1.7

0.08
t

0.7 1
1
1
1 e−sTd
E(t)

2s + 1 2s + 1 x
 0.06
0.65
−X

1 1
0.3 1 1
2s + 1 2s + 1
0.04
Tracer impulsion
modelization (pulse)
0.02
Experimental data
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Time (day)

Model
Experimental data

Figure 4: Conceptualized two-layer model (TLM) with results from R1.

International Journal of Chemical Engineering 5

14 ET was most likely the amount of plant biomass. Effect

12 of ET was beneficial to TKN removal by increasing HRT.
ET= 3.8 Da − 12.7
10
In temperate countries, favoring ET (building CWs well
R2 = 0.69
ET (mm.d−1 )

exposed to sun light) represents a clear increase on treatment

8 performances, especially TKN. Effects of peat and of large ET
6 on hydrodynamics of full scale CWs have to be measured to
4
confirm those results.

2
Acknowledgments
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
The authors would like to thank Marc-André Labelle
Damköhler number (−)
and Vincent Gagnon for technical assistance and Dwight
Figure 5: Relationship between Damköhler number and ET for Houweling for reviewing an earlier draft of the paper.
TKN degradation (except for R3 and R4). This research was financed by the Natural Sciences and
Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Simulation results were closer to experimental data when References

using the TLM, but care should be taken when interpreting
the correlation coefficients obtained. Simulation with PDF [1] R. H. Kadlec and R. L. Knight, Treatment Wetlands, Lewis
model (R2 = 0.46 for COD and 0.33 for TKN) seemed to Publishers, New York, NY, USA, 1996.
give inferior results than simulation with TLM model (R2 = [2] A. Thompson, D. R. Parker, and C. Amrhein, “Selenate par-
0.94 for COD and 0.71 for TKN). The only input in the PFD titioning in field-situated constructed wetland mesocosms,”
Ecological Engineering, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 17–30, 2003.
model was the Peclet number while the TLM model counted
two inputs, the G ratio and the total delay (Td), which led to a [3] Q. He and K. R. Mankin, “Seasonal variations in hydraulic
performance of rock-plant filters,” Environmental Technology,
more accurate determination of performances. On the other
vol. 22, no. 9, pp. 991–999, 2001.
hand, the TLM enabled a better comprehension of flow and
[4] M. E. Grismer, M. Tausendschoen, and H. L. Shepherd,
removal gradient in mesocosms. The ratio “G” used in the
“Hydraulic characteristics of a subsurface flow constructed
TLM model was proportional to ET magnitude and the time wetland for winery effluent treatment,” Water Environment
delay increased with high ET (Table 2). Research, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 466–477, 2001.
The Damköhler number (Da = k · τ) is the normalised [5] International Water Association (IWA), “Constructed wetland
first order reaction rate constant and is defined as the for pollution control: processes, performance, design and
ratio of the degradation rate to the mass transfer rate. A operation,” Scientific and Technical Report 8, IWA Publishing,
correlation between ET and Da values for TKN removal was London, UK, 2000.
underlined for all cases except pilots R3 and R4 (Figure 5). [6] A. C. King, C. A. Mitchell, and T. Howes, “Hydraulic tracer
This suggested that ET enhanced the degradation rates. We studies in a pilot scale subsurface flow constructed wetland,”
hypothesised that the first effect of ET was to concentrate Water Science and Technology, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 189–196, 1997.
effluent, thus enhancing degradation rates (especially for [7] T. Machate, H. Noll, H. Behrens, and A. Kettrup, “Degradation
TKN). Another contribution of ET could have been the of phenanthrene and hydraulic characteristics in a constructed
amplification of gas transfer in aerenchyma, thus enhancing wetland,” Water Research, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 554–560, 1997.
oxygen supply in the rhizosphere. [8] F. Chazarenc, G. Merlin, and Y. Gonthier, “Hydrodynamics of
horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands,” Ecological
Engineering, vol. 21, no. 2-3, pp. 165–173, 2003.
4. Conclusion [9] E. T. Volger, J. S. Scherfig, S. Chen, and G. T. Wang, “Modeling
BOD removal in constructed wetlands with mixing cell
A positive contribution of peat on plant biomass devel-
method,” Journal of Environmental Engineering, vol. 126, no.
opment and consequently ET rates was observed. Effects
8, pp. 782–785, 2000.
of peat can also be related to those of large amounts
[10] T. M. Werner and R. H. Kadlec, “Application of residence time
of accumulated organic matter that can be found in old distributions to stormwater treatment systems,” Ecological
constructed wetlands. Thus adding peat in young CWs Engineering, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 213–234, 1996.
represents a clear improvement for plant establishment and [11] R. H. Kadlec, “The inadequacy of first-order treatment
can increase treatment performances for TKN. wetland models,” Ecological Engineering, vol. 15, no. 1-2, pp.
In our study, the effects of ET were not clearly observed 105–119, 2000.
in hydraulic behavior by modeling the different mesocosms. [12] T. M. Wynn and S. K. Liehr, “Development of a constructed
No effect of ET on the dispersion coefficient was observed subsurface-flow wetland simulation model,” Ecological Engi-
when using the plug flow with axial dispersion model. This neering, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 519–536, 2001.
was probably due to the small size of the mesocosms which [13] S. Naylor, J. Brisson, M. A. Labelle, A. Drizo, and Y. Comeau,
led to a permanent bypass along the wall. “Treatment of freshwater fish farm effluent using constructed
There was no clear difference between Phragmites and wetlands: the role of plants and substrate,” Water Science and
Typha effect on ET rates. The major factor increasing the Technology, vol. 48, no. 5, pp. 215–222, 2003.
6 International Journal of Chemical Engineering

[14] APHA, AWWA, WEF, Standard Methods for the Examination of

Water and Wastewater, APHA & WEF, Washington, DC, USA,
21th edition, 2005.
[15] O. Levenspiel, Chemical Reaction Engineering, John Wiley &
Sons, New York, NY, USA, 1972.
[16] D. P. L. Rousseau, P. A. Vanrolleghem, and N. De Pauw,
“Model-based design of horizontal subsurface flow con-
structed treatment wetlands: a review,” Water Research, vol. 38,
no. 6, pp. 1484–1493, 2004.
[17] S. Fogler, Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Prentice-
Hall, New York, NY, USA, 2nd edition, 1992.
[18] C. C. Tanner, J. P. S. Sukias, and M. P. Upsdell, “Organic matter
accumulation during maturation of gravel-bed constructed
wetlands treating farm dairy wastewaters,” Water Research, vol.
32, no. 10, pp. 3046–3054, 1998.
[19] T. R. Headley, M. L. Bayley, and L. Davidson, “A comparison
of Lithium, Bromide and Rhodamine B as tracers in gravel
bed based reed beds,” in Proceedings of the 8th International
Conference on Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Pollution
Control, pp. 266–274, Arusha, Tanzania, September 2002.
[20] C. C. Tanner, R. H. Kadlec, M. M. Gibbs, J. P. S. Sukias, and M.
L. Nguyen, “Nitrogen processing gradients in subsurface-flow
treatment wetlands—influence of wastewater characteristics,”
Ecological Engineering, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 499–520, 2002.
 International Journal of

Rotating
Machinery

International Journal of
The Scientific
Engineering Distributed
Journal of
Journal of

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

World Journal
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Sensors
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Sensor Networks
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

Journal of

Control Science
and Engineering

Advances in
Civil Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

Submit your manuscripts at

http://www.hindawi.com

Journal of
Journal of Electrical and Computer
Robotics
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

VLSI Design
Advances in
OptoElectronics
International Journal of

International Journal of
Modelling &
Simulation
Aerospace
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Volume 2014
Navigation and
Observation
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014
in Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014
Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2010
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

International Journal of
International Journal of Antennas and Active and Passive Advances in
Chemical Engineering Propagation Electronic Components Shock and Vibration Acoustics and Vibration
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014