Metals removal using constructed wetlands

Author

Somnath Chilukuri

Abstract

"Lead is one of the most common contaminants in the environment today and most of the remediation techniques are cost prohibitive. Therefore, research into cost effective remediation techniques is very relevant.

Seven lab-scale constructed wetlands were used to treat water made to mimic wastewater from mines operated by Doe Run Mining Company, and one lab-scale constructed wetland was used to treat synthetic wastewater similar to Buick smelter facility effluent. Over 200 days of assay results from the effluent of the seven lab- scale wetlands showed an average lead and zinc removal of 92 ± 5% and 74 ± 8% respectively. The effect of temperature, flowrates, and substrates on the performance of these wetlands was evaluated. These factors did not have significant effects on the effluent quality.

All lab-scale wetlands treating synthetic Doe Run mine water produced a high-quality effluent but had relatively high solids concentration. The pH of the effluent was reduced to near neutrality, and the sulfate concentration was reduced.

Over 200 days of assay results from the synthetic Buick Facility smelter showed an average lead and zinc removal of 95 ± 9% and 50 ± 26% respectively. The synthetic smelter wastewater from Buick Facility produced effluents with high concentrations of sodium and sulfate. Production of sulfide was observed which might mean that there is a maximal rate of sulfate reduction. The effluent also had high solids concentration"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Fitch, Mark W.

Committee Member(s)

Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)
Forciniti, Daniel

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Environmental Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2000

Pagination

viii, 87 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 80-86).

Rights

© 2000 Somnath Chilukuri, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 7715

Print OCLC #

43988957

Electronic OCLC #

1105037820

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Chilukuri, Somnath, "Metals removal using constructed wetlands" (2000). Masters Theses. 1905.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/1905