The role of concentrations gradients on phosphorus and iron dynamics from chemically-dosed horizontal flow wetlands for tertiary sewage treatment

This study examined the dynamics of iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P) transformations from the surface sludge accumulated in tertiary horizontal flow (HF) treatment wetlands (TW) chemically dosed for P removal. Site surveys showed P was stored in HF TW with and without artificial aeration on average, with instances of P release in the non-aerated site. Controlled experiments revealed storing TW surface sludge for over 24 hours resulted in limited oxygen and nitrate concentrations, resulting in both P and Fe release. The rate of P release increased with increasing water-sludge P concentration gradients, and the reaction could take as little as 10 minutes. Convection had no impact on P transformation rates. The findings suggest mitigation strategies could include the manipulation of the biogeochemical environment by managing oxygen and nitrate concentrations within the wetlands. A better understanding of links between Fe, P, and nitrate is needed to test proactive mitigation strategies for small wastewater treatment plants.