Evaluation of composite matrix in constructed wetland for phosphorus removal

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been successfully used for the removal of several contaminants from wastewater. However, the phosphorus (P) removal can be boosted by using reactive materials as substrates in CWs. The present study addresses this issue by using low-cost materials as substrates for the treatment of domestic wastewater. Therefore, a novel composite substrate consisting of brick waste, tile waste, and gravel was assessed in CW. The total phosphorus (TP) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) average removal efficiency was shown to be >72 % and >78 % respectively, from domestic wastewater. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction efficiency was >80 % for the system. The efficacy of composite matrix CW in the reduction of TP and PO₄³⁻ was supported by the SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis of the substrate materials. The study showed the robustness of the CW in pollutant removal when waste material was utilized as filler.